Just before spring training concluded for the 2025 season, the New York Yankees took a strategic step to manage their growing list of pitching injuries by signing left-handed pitcher Ryan Yarbrough. After being notified by the Toronto Blue Jays that he would not make their roster, Yarbrough opted out, leading to a swift agreement with the Yankees for the upcoming campaign.
As the Yankees grappled with the absence of key pitchers like Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil, Clarke Schmidt, and Marcus Stroman, Yarbrough’s acquisition became increasingly crucial for their early-season strategy. Initially, he served out of the bullpen for the month of April, but in May and June, he transitioned into the starting rotation. Yarbrough delivered several commendable performances, including a notable game against the defending World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he pitched six innings allowing just one run.
Midway through June, Yarbrough faced his own setback when a strained oblique sidelined him until September. By then, the Yankees’ pitching staff had begun to recover, limiting his opportunities on the mound. However, the Yankees recognized Yarbrough’s value during his time with the team. Reports from FanSided’s Robert Murray indicate that the franchise is poised to re-sign him for the 2026 season. This was later corroborated by The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
The Yankees’ decision to retain Yarbrough exemplifies their pragmatic approach to the roster in the offseason. With both Cole and Carlos Rodón expected to miss significant time due to injuries heading into the 2026 season, the return of a dependable pitcher like Yarbrough is a sensible, low-risk move aimed at enhancing their depth on the mound. This strategy underscores the importance of building a resilient team capable of weathering the ups and downs of a long baseball season, keeping fans hopeful for what’s to come.