Yankees Lose Player to Dodgers Amid MLB Free Agency

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Feb 3, 2026 5:17 PM ET

The New York Yankees are finalizing the team’s 40-man roster as Spring Training approaches.

With the club’s payroll flexibility likely limited at this stage of the offseason after re-signing outfielders Trent Grisham and Cody Bellinger, the front office has been active in improving the roster through the trade market.

The Yankees’ biggest need has been addressing a bullpen that suddenly looks depleted after Luke Weaver and Devin Williams left to join the New York Mets.

In January, New York made a move to acquire right-handed reliever Angel Chivilli from the Colorado Rockies, a low-risk, high-upside addition.

Chivilli struggled with Colorado, posting a 7.06 ERA last season, but the Yankees believe that with a few adjustments he can become a useful piece.

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) © Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

However, when New York made the trade, the 40-man roster was full. That meant a corresponding move was required to add Chivilli, and the player designated for assignment turned out to be outfielder Michael Siani.

It has been an eventful offseason for Siani, as this marked the fourth time he has been designated for assignment since November.

He was first designated for assignment by the St. Louis Cardinals, then claimed by the Atlanta Braves, who later designated him for assignment in December. The Los Angeles Dodgers claimed him next, only to designate him for assignment in January when they added superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker.

That move opened the door for the Yankees to claim him, and now New York has designated him for assignment as well just days later.

The Yankees had hoped Siani would clear waivers and remain in the organization as Triple-A depth. Instead, the Dodgers, one of the teams that previously designated him for assignment this winter, reclaimed him and added him to their 40-man roster.

Earlier today, OF Michael Siani was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Additionally, the Yankees outrighted INF/OF Marco Luciano off the Major League roster and onto the roster of Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) February 3, 2026

Teams continue to show interest in Siani because his defensive value is legitimately high end, especially in center field where reliable gloves are hard to find.

He consistently grades well in advanced metrics, covers a ton of ground and brings plus speed that plays both in the field and on the bases. With a remaining minor-league option, he is also an appealing depth piece who can move between Triple-A and the big leagues without restriction.

For New York, his departure simply reinforces the need to keep searching for affordable, controllable depth as they continue shaping the roster ahead of camp.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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