Report: Yankees, Happ agree on 2-year, $34M deal plus option

The New York Yankees and J.A. Happ have reportedly agreed on a deal that will keep the left-hander in the Bronx for the next two seasons, plus a vesting option for 2021, according to Andy Martino of SNY.

The contract will reportedly pay Happ $17 million each season, with the third-year option being picked up based on a total starts or innings pitched threshold in 2020, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Happ will earn at least $34 million, and up to $51 million if the third-year option vests.

Halfway through the 2018 season, the Yankees acquired Happ from the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays. The 36-year-old posted a 3.65 ERA and 3.98 FIP over 177 2/3 innings between the two clubs, going on to make one postseason start for New York.

After losing out on Patrick Corbin, the Philadelphia Phillies were reportedly interested in signing the veteran starter.

With Happ solidifying a rotation that already includes Luis Severino, James Paxton, Masahiro Tanaka, and CC Sabathia, general manager Brian Cashman is now more comfortable focusing on other roster needs, according to Martino.

Aside from the starting staff, Cashman tabbed shortstop as an offseason need with Didi Gregorius slated to be shelved for much of the 2019 season after requiring Tommy John surgery.