The New York Yankees are reportedly finalizing a one-year major league contract with left-handed pitcher Ryan Yarbrough, according to various reports. The contract is said to include a base salary of $2.5 million for the 2026 season, with the potential to earn an additional $250,000 in performance bonuses, as reported by Joel Sherman of the New York Post. The agreement is still pending a physical examination.
This contract marks a significant shift for Yarbrough compared to his previous offseason, where he remained unsigned until February before eventually joining the Toronto Blue Jays on a minor league contract. After opting out just before Opening Day, he secured a major league deal with the Yankees for the 2025 season, where he posted a respectable 4.36 ERA over 64 innings, consisting of eight starts and eleven relief appearances. This performance reflects an average level of production, as indicated by his 94 ERA+ and advanced metrics, including a 4.14 SIERA that hovers around league average.
Despite an inflated home run rate, allowing 13 homers in just 64 innings, Yarbrough managed to achieve a career-high strikeout rate of 20.8% while maintaining a relatively low walk rate of 7.2%. His ability to effectively shift between starting and bullpen roles throughout his career makes him a versatile asset for the Yankees.
The Yankees are currently navigating a challenging offseason as they work to enhance their roster. With Gerrit Cole expected to return from Tommy John surgery early next year, alongside fellow pitchers Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, Luis Gil, and Will Warren, there remains considerable uncertainty, particularly with Cole and Rodon not anticipated to be ready for Opening Day. The addition of Yarbrough provides necessary depth to the starting rotation and a reliable veteran presence to fill the gaps created by injuries.
As the Yankees look toward the future, they will need to replace several seasoned players—including Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham, Paul Goldschmidt, and Amed Rosario—while also considering further enhancements to their lineup. The flexibility that Yarbrough brings could be invaluable, especially as the team evaluates additional pitching options amid the ongoing uncertainties within their roster. This deal signifies a strategic move that could pay dividends as the Yankees aim to bolster their competitiveness in the upcoming season.