Yankees add Royals reliever with 3.55 ERA this season

As the postseason approaches, the New York Yankees know how important their bullpen will be. Which is why the franchise added another intriguing arm on Monday.

The Yankees claimed former Kansas City Royals reliever John Schreiber off waivers, via Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Manager Aaron Boone and company will now look for him to be a useful resource out of the bullpen.

Through his first 55 games in 2026, Schreiber has looked like he could fill that role. The right-hander holds a 3.65 ERA and a 36/22 K/BB ratio. He hasn’t allowed a run in his last three outings, giving up two or more runs just twice over his last 16 appearances.

Where Boone is most likely to use Schreiber is against right-handers. Righties have hit just .143 against himself, compared to a .326 clip from left-handers. It wouldn’t be shocking to see Schreiber used as a right-handed specialist.

At the same time, he comes to the Yankees with plenty of experience. He has appeared in 327 games over his eight years in the league, holding a 3.65 ERA and 309/114 K/BB ratio. If necessary, Boone could use Schreiber in high-leverage scenarios.

Whatever situation he finds himself on the mound though, the Yankees are expecting results. Their bullpen entered Monday ranked with the best ERA in all of baseball with a 3.04 mark. New York knows they can’t afford to take their foot off the gas once the postseason comes.

There’s no guarantee Schreiber is on the roster come playoff time. But if he performs how he did in Kansas City, especially against righties, the Yankees will be more inclined to keep him around.