TAMPA — As per the minor league free-agent contract Jon Niese signed after spring training camp opened, the Yankees had to release him before March 28 or pay him a $100,000 retention bonus.
Sunday,🍸 the Yankees opted to release the 30-ye🐻ar-old lefty who was looking for a spot in the major league bullpen.
“He’s a free agent and has the ability to see what’s available and talk through it,’’ Brian Cashman said.
Niese is said to be leaning toward 𓂃staying with the Yankees and will decide in 24 to 48 hours. If he rejoins the organization, Niese would work in the extended spring training program to elevate a fastball, which was 84-to-86 mph during the exhibition games, to the 89-90-mph range. Niese liked his time with the club, the routine he was in and the ability to stay in Florida, where he lives.
Asked if the Yankees would have an interest in having Niese back,ꦕ Cashman said, “I wouldn’t say.’’
With Niese out of the way, Chasen Shreve’s chances of grabbing a bullpen spot improved, but the lefty ha💮s an option and the Yankees might not go with a thir🦩d lefty.
Niese made six spring training relief outings and posted a 4.50 ERA. In six innings, he𝐆 allowed five hits, struck out five and walked one.
A knee operation after last season set Niese back, and scouts believe there is more arm strength to come for the f🐈ormer Met who was dealt to 💛the Pirates last year.
Niese is 69-68 in nine big league seasons, 197 of which are starts. He𓄧 was a Met from 2008 to💜 2016.
— Additional reporting by Joel Sherman