One more step toward a fearsome bullpen.
One more step away from Manny Machado.
The Yankees are closing in on a deal with reliever Adam Ottavino, ESPN reported Thursday, expected to be for three years and about $27 million.
The 33-year-old was brilliant for Colorado last season, striking out 112 in 77 2/3 innings and putting up a 2.43 ERA. In an ideal Yankees bullpen, the right-hander is the sixth-inning man, with Aroldis Chapman, Zach Britton and Dellin Betances locking down the last three innings.
With more money to the bullpen — and already having signed Troy Tulowitzki as Didi Gregorius’ short-term replacement — it seems a Machado splash is not in the cards.