Report: Yankees will explore re-signing Happ, Sabathia
The New York Yankees are looking to conduct some offseason business with a pair of familiar faces.
After bringing Brett Gardner back on a one-year deal, the Yankees will "definitely" explore re-signing free agents J.A. Happ and CC Sabathia, sources told Wallace Matthews of the New York Daily News, who added that a strong pursuit of Happ is a "no-brainer."
Happ, acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays prior to the non-waiver trade deadline last season in exchange for Brandon Drury and Billy McKinney, was one of the Yankees' most effective starters down the stretch. In 63 2/3 innings for the pinstripes, Happ crafted a 2.62 ERA with 63 strikeouts, leading to an unblemished 7-0 record.
The first-time All-Star, however, struggled in his lone postseason appearance against the Boston Red Sox, allowing five runs on four hits over two innings in Game 1 of the American League Division Series.
Happ is coming off a three-year deal worth $36 million.
Sabathia, who plans to return in 2019 following his one-year, $10-million contract last season, will likely have to settle for less after the Yankees declined to make him the $17.9-million qualifying offer.
The six-time All-Star was serviceable in New York in 2018, posting a 3.65 ERA with 140 strikeouts over 153 innings of work.
The Yankees currently have eight free agents from their 2018 roster: David Robertson, Neil Walker, Andrew McCutchen, Zach Britton, Lance Lynn, and Adeiny Hechavarria.