Searching for Minor League Depth: Rex Brothers

EDIT: The Chicago Cubs acquired Brothers from Colorado in a trade today

Yesterday when we searched for minor league depth for the New York Yankees this upcoming season we showcased a former Yankees farm hand and recently DFA’d pitcher by the Colorado Rockies, Mr. Tommy Kahnle. We mentioned in the article that Kahnle was designated for assignment alongside three of his teammates, John Axford, Wilin Rosario and Rex Brothers. Axford is not a great fit for the Yankees and there just isn’t the room on the Major League roster for Rosario but I believe that Brothers may be willing to accept a minor league deal and I believe it should be the Yankees that are offering him one. Now.

First and foremost Brothers is still just 27-years old and is a former first round pick as recently as the 2009 MLB First Year Players Draft. Brothers was drafted 34^th overall in that draft class by the Colorado Rockies and made his Major League debut just two years later on June 6, 2011. Brothers is still just first year arbitration eligible in 2016 and will not be eligible for free agency until the 2019 season.

Brothers has averaged, and keep in mind he pitches half his games inside Coors Field, a 3.42 ERA in his career while striking out 10.3 K/9 and walking just 5.2 BB/9, His walk rates are a little higher than you would like to see them but his home run numbers, again especially considering his home park has been Coors Field, are under 1.0 per nine innings pitched with a 0.8 HR/9. Brothers’ FIP, 3.89, suggests that he is the pitcher the stats say he is and on a minor league deal that would be a hell of a steal for the Yankees bullpen.

Brothers may go out and find a Major League deal making this post moot, and honestly at his age and with the relative risk in terms of contract, durability and age he should, but if he doesn’t then Brian Cashman better be making some phone calls. ASAP.