Report: Yankees 'near the finish line' with J.A. Happ signing
LAS VEGAS — After J.A. Happ performed so well for the New York Yankees down the stretch in 2018 it looks like they want him back.
Reports were somewhat conflicting on Wednesday morning as Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic initially said there was a deal in place before walking that back. However, shortly after Joel Sherman of the New York Post chimed in to confirm the team was almost there.
As of this morning, though, there is no agreed upon deal in place between Happ and #Yankees. But conversations had advanced to near finish line/decision time. #StayTuned
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 12, 2018
The fit between Happ and the Yankees is obvious. They are a very, very good team with a need to bolster their rotation and Happ is as steady as they come. In each of the last four seasons the southpaw has posted an ERA between 3.18 and 3.65 and a WAR between 2.8 and 3.4.
Adding to his appeal is the the 63.2 innings of 2.83 ERA ball he managed with the Bronx Bombers in 2018. Also he holds more appeal for New York as a lefty who can help erase the kind of left-handed power that plays up at Yankees Stadium.
Though the Blue Jays met with Happ’s representation on Monday, a reunion was always going to be difficult despite some mutual interest. Given Happ’s age (36) it was always going to be difficult to fit him logically into the Blue Jays’ competitive window unless he was explicitly a trade chip. General manager Ross Atkins referenced his value as a veteran mentor, but realistically he’s too good, too coveted, and too expensive for such a role despite his age.
Right now, it looks like Happ is going to get a three-year pact, which is somewhat unusual for a 36-year-old hurler. However, the veteran’s stuff isn’t diminished whatsoever; his average fastball velocity of 92.0 mph in 2018 was the second-highest of his career and he posted a career-best 9.78 K/9 in 177.2 strong innings.
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