Yankees say aversion to spending big on free agent relievers isn’t ‘policy,’ but it’s been ...

TAMPA – The Yankees spend a lot of money, yet they always avoid costly free agent relievers. Such was the case again this offseason, as they didn’t sign any expensive bullpen arms while talent flew off the board. That’s generally been their preferred method, as the Yanks haven’t committed big money to a free agent reliever since Zack Britton ($39 million) and Adam Ottavino ($27 million) signed three-year contracts in January 2019. It’s a noticeable approach for a club that annually boasts one of baseball’s highest payrolls – the Yanks are set to surpass $300 million for the third straight season – and one that has gotten more attention with several bullpen spots up for grabs this spring. “I...