The Yankeesâ offseason is off and running, with New York agreeing to bring back relief pitcher Ryan Yarbrough. According to ESPN, the deal is worth $2.5 million for one season with performance bonuses included.
The 33-year-old left-hander made 19 appearances with eight starts for New York last season, going 3-1 with a 4.36 ERA and 55 strikeouts in 64 innings.
Yarbrough Was Bargain on One-Year Deal
After signing a one-year deal during spring training, Yarbrough got off to a strong start in New York. He posted a 2.08 ERA over his first five starts, including a 7-3 victory over the Dodgers in June in which he allowed only one run over six innings while striking out five.
But Yarbrough was tagged for 11 runs over 14 innings across his next three appearances, and his performance continued to slip in September when he had a 7.27 ERA.
Yarbrough, who did not pitch between June 18 and Sept. 5 because of an oblique injury, was left off the roster for playoff series against the Red Sox and Blue Jays.
An eight-year veteran, Yarbrough is 56-41 with a 4.22 ERA in 832 career innings. That includes 76 starts and 215 appearances overall. Â In addition to the Yankees, Yarbrough has pitched for the Rays (2018-22), Royals (2023) and Dodgers (2023-24).
Left-Hander Capable of Filling Multiple Roles
Yarbrough is the type of low-cost, veteran deal that could pay dividends for New York over the course of a 162-game season. Yarbrough is familiar with Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake, and his ability to pitch multiple roles gives the club plenty of options.
With Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon and Clarke Schmidt expected to miss the beginning of the season, Yarbrough could be a valuable rotation piece. He also could slide back into the bullpen, either as a situational lefty or a longman.
Regardless of his role, the Yankees know what theyâre getting in Yarbrough.
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