Ryan Yarbrough Signs with the New York Yankees

Ryan Yarbrough Becomes Available at the Right Time for the Yankees 

The Yankees have lost two huge pieces of their pitching staff already. Gerrit Cole is out until 2026 and Luis Gil is out until at least June of this year. This will shuffle the staff, specifically the bullpen.

The southpaw Yarbrough has shown a great deal of experience and capability out of the bullpen. The Blue Jays retained him to a minor league deal, where in reality his profile fits the show in some capacity. 

He joined Toronto last season, while outfielder Kevin Kiermaier was sent to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the trade deadline.

Yarbrough will easily slide into a short-long relief role. His repertoire on the mound will bring depth to the Yankees’ bullpen during a pitching shortage. 

Background 

Yarbrough is a seven-year MLB veteran, primarily in a relief role. He started his career in 2018 with the Tampa Bay Rays, where he spent five seasons. He split the 2023 season between the Kansas City Royals and the Dodgers.

2024 was also a split season for the left-handed pitcher, as he was dealt at the deadline to the Blue Jays. The 33-year-old was a non-roster invitee to spring training this year, in hopes of making the big club. 

So far, he was left off the 26-man roster, and his opt-out was executed well after 10 days of the signed minor league deal. Yarbrough has found himself with another AL East team, where he can play a more substantial role.

Statistics

Last season between the two teams, Yarbrough pitched 98 2/3 innings total. He finished with a 3.19 ERA, recording 398 batters faced in 44 games played. 

Yarbrough struck out 65 hitters, walking 32, and allowed 35 earned runs on 70 total hits. The left-hander has a five-pitch mix with heavy off-speed, but questionable fastball velocity. His current pitch style resembles Sergio Romo. 

The left-handed pitcher will be tasked with eating innings on the back end or mid-end of the fifth starter spot. He will have a hybrid role, with expectations of entering for strategic matchups and/or long-term relief. This is a great sigh of relief for the Yankees ahead of Gil’s eventual return.