Yankees part ways with fan-favorite utilityman Oswaldo Cabrera

Oswaldo Cabrera. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Yankees part ways with fan-favorite utilityman Oswaldo Cabrera

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Sep 16, 2026 1:29 PM ET

The New York Yankees are still searching for trustworthy arms to have in the bullpen when the playoffs begin.

One of the potential options New York is looking at is right-hander Clarke Schmidt. Schmidt has missed the entire 2026 season so far while recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Schmidt was activated from the injured list on Wednesday and with that came a surprise roster move from the organization.

Oswaldo Cabrera has been designated for assignment

According to an announcement from the team on Wednesday, utilityman Oswaldo Cabrera has been designated for assignment.

Cabrera is well-received both by his teammates and by Yankees fans, but there ultimately is just not a spot for him on the roster with the moves New York made at the trade deadline and will continue to need to make prior to the postseason.

Prior to today’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves:
• Returned RHP Clarke Schmidt (#36) from his rehab assignment and reinstated him from the 60-day injured list.
• Designated INF/OF Oswaldo Cabrera for assignment.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 16, 2026

Oswaldo Cabrera is having an excellent minor league season

An injury late last season caused Cabrera not to be on the Yankees opening day roster to start the season. He has spent most of the season at Triple-A and has done solid work there.

Cabrera has posted a .288 average with 19 home runs and a .790 OPS in the minors this season, numbers that will certainly be intriguing for other teams.

Cabrera's ability to play all over the field will make him even more of an intriguing option and it should not be long before someone takes a chance on the 27-year-old.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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