In a significant update for the Bronx Bombers, the New York Yankees have officially signed left-handed pitcher Ryan Yarbrough to a major league contract. This decision comes as Gil has been placed on the 60-day Injured List to make room on the roster.

According to ESPN's Jorge Castillo, Yarbrough's contract guarantees him $2 million, with an additional potential of $250,000 in incentives. Given that the Yankees are currently dealing with the repercussions of luxury tax penalties, this deal will ultimately cost the organization approximately $4.2 million.

Yarbrough, who is 33 years old, brings valuable experience after spending the lion's share of his career in the American League East, particularly with the Tampa Bay Rays from 2018 to 2022. His recent stint with the Toronto Blue Jays showcased his capabilities, especially after being acquired from the Dodgers. During his time in Canada, Yarbrough impressed by pitching 31 1/3 innings with an impressive 2.01 ERA, coupled with a strikeout rate of 22.2% and a walk rate of only 6%.

Despite finishing the 2024 season with a career-low ERA of 3.19 across 98 2/3 innings, Yarbrough's strikeout rate dipped to 16.3%, which raises some concerns about his effectiveness moving forward. His fastball has also seen a decline in velocity, now averaging a mere 86.5 mph, a significant drop from the 89-90 mph he relied on earlier in his career. However, Yarbrough compensates for this by utilizing an unconventional pitching style that promotes soft contact, demonstrated by his remarkably low hard contact rate of 29.4%. His strong command on the mound has allowed him to maintain a solid career earned run average of 4.21 over 768 innings pitched in the majors.

The Yankees, who have faced a barrage of injuries within their starting rotation during the spring, see Yarbrough as a valuable asset. While he is unlikely to secure a spot in the starting rotation, his experience as both a starter and a multi-inning reliever makes him an appealing option for the team. His presence is expected to enhance the squad's pitching depth, especially as they navigate the challenges of the season. As a result, fellow left-handed pitcher Brent Headrick may find himself heading to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre as the season kicks off.

In summary, the signing of Ryan Yarbrough not only fortifies the Yankees' pitching staff but also illustrates their strategic approach to dealing with injury challenges. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this seasoned lefty will impact the team's performance in the upcoming season.