General Manager Brian Cashman is keeping the Yankees’ hot stove ignited. Yesterday it was Derek Holland, today it’s 15-game winner Jason Hammel.
George A. King III of the New York Post reports that Cashman has contacted Octagon sports agency in regards to Hammel, who became a free agent after the Cubs didn’t exercise their $12 million option for 2017. Clubs are asking Octagon for medical reports on the 34-year-old hurler, who went 15-10 with a 3.83 ERA in 2016 but wasn’t on the postseason roster.
Hammel is coming off his third straight season of double digit wins and a sub-4.00 ERA. In 166.2 innings of work last season, he struck out 7.8 batters per nine innings to go along with a 42.1% ground-ball rate. In his 24 career innings at Yankee Stadium, he has struck out 18 batters and owns a 3.00 ERA. Considering the thin starting pitcher free agent class this winter, Hammel is probably the most attractive option. He could be low-risk high reward and adds experience to the rotation without having to part with any prospects.
