The Yankees are considering bringing back Boone Logan (and it’s a good idea)

Last Thursday, Joel Sherman reported that the Yankees have interest in reuniting with lefty reliever Boone Logan. In recent seasons, the Yankees have struggled to find middle relievers who are capable of pitching consistent quality innings. Logan won’t come close to matching the talent of Aroldis Chapman or Andrew Miller, but he would be a good fit for Joe Girardi’s mix and match bullpen management.

In four seasons with the Yankees (2010-2013), Logan pitched 176 innings with a 3.38 ERA and a 3.63 FIP. In all four seasons, Logan appeared in at least 50 games and struck out at least a batter per inning (except for 2010 when he had a 8.6 K/9). Over his career, Logan has been particularly effective against left-handed batters with a 3.56 K/BB ratio, holding them to a .670 OPS.

Logan is currently a free agent who the Yankees could sign without giving up a draft pick. His previous contract paid him $16.5 million over three seasons ($5.5 million per season on average.) Logan will be 32 years old this upcoming season and is coming off his most successful season with the Rockies, a season in which opposing batters hit only .164 against him. Given his age and recent success, he should get a multi-year deal but it will be far below the expensive contracts that Chapman, Kenley Jansen, or Mark Melancon will get.

Signing Logan wouldn’t be a splashy move but it would be the kind of move that the Yankees should be making. They can easily afford to pay a specialty lefty for 2-3 seasons, especially one that doesn’t require giving up a draft pick. As the team continues to build its young core for the future, it would be a good move to acquire some relievers like Logan who can be counted on for quality innings at a reasonable price.

This past season, Logan was a sought-after pitcher at the deadline but the Rockies decided to keep him. Worst case scenario, the Yankees could deal him at the deadline if they find themselves out of contention like this previous season. There is one last silver lining too. It would keep him away from the rest of the AL East where the Blue Jays, Orioles, and Red Sox will all be looking for bullpen help.