Yankees Sign Ryan Yarbrough

In a bold acquisition, the New York Yankees have officially signed free agent left-hander Ryan Yarbrough to a major league contract, as confirmed by the team this morning. To accommodate this new addition, the Yankees placed player Gil on the 60-day injured list, clearing a roster spot for Yarbrough.

Contract Details and Financial Implications

Financial details surrounding the contract reveal that Yarbrough is set to earn a guaranteed $2 million, with the potential to make an additional $250,000 through performance incentives. However, being in the top tier of luxury tax penalties, the Yankees will face a steep 110% tax on this deal, ultimately resulting in a total expenditure of approximately $4.2 million.

Yarbrough's Career Background

Yarbrough, 33, brings a wealth of experience from his previous tenure in the AL East, having spent a significant part of his career with the Tampa Bay Rays from 2018 to 2022. Most recently, he had a brief but impressive stint with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he delivered standout performances after being acquired from the Dodgers.

Recent Performance

During 31 1/3 innings pitched with Toronto, he posted an impressive 2.01 ERA, showcasing a 22.2% strikeout rate alongside a low walk rate of 6%. Throughout the 2024 season, Yarbrough concluded with a career-low ERA of 3.19 across 98 2/3 innings.

Pitching Style and Effectiveness

Despite a lower strikeout rate of 16.3% and a fastball average of just 86.5 mph—one of the softest in the league—his unique pitching style relies on an unusual delivery technique and induces soft contact, which effectively limits hard hits. His ability to keep hard contact at a mere 29.4% combined with exceptional command contributes to his reliability despite occasional fluctuations in his ERA.

Overall Performance and Versatility

Yarbrough boasts a solid track record over 768 innings pitched in the majors, with an overall 4.21 ERA and an 18.7% strikeout rate coupled with a 5.5% walk rate. His flexibility as both a starter and a multi-inning reliever—having made 44 appearances last season—will serve as a valuable asset to a Yankees team that has faced recent challenges within its rotation due to injuries.

Impact on the Yankees' Roster

While it may not be expected that Yarbrough enters the starting rotation immediately, his addition provides necessary depth during a critical time. As the Yankees gear up for the upcoming season, it appears that Yarbrough's signing will shift fellow southpaw Brent Headrick to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, a significant move indicating the team's commitment to solidify their pitching lineup.

Looking Ahead

Stay tuned to see how Yarbrough will impact the Yankees' quest for a successful season in the fiercely competitive AL East!