The New York Yankees have made a notable move by signing left-hander Ryan Yarbrough to a one-year deal, as announced by the team. The contract is valued at $2 million guaranteed, with an additional $250,000 in performance bonuses, according to a source familiar with the deal. This signing comes as the Yankees face some pitching challenges due to injuries.
To make space for Yarbrough on the 40-man roster, the Yankees placed right-hander Luis Gil on the 60-day injured list due to a right lat strain. Yarbrough, who spent time with the Toronto Blue Jays during spring training, opted out of his contract after learning he wouldn't make the team's Opening Day roster. The left-hander made a quick decision to join the Yankees over other interested teams, finalizing the agreement within a short timeframe.
Reportedly, Yarbrough is set to pitch in the Yankees' final exhibition game against the Miami Marlins after his recent appearance for the Blue Jays. At 33 years old, Yarbrough brings experience to the Yankees, having spent his early career with the Tampa Bay Rays. Despite being mostly used as a reliever, he has made significant contributions as both a starter and a long reliever throughout his career.
In the previous season, Yarbrough maintained a commendable 3.19 ERA over 98 ⅔ innings in 44 games split between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Blue Jays. Known for his unconventional pitching style with a modest fastball speed and deceptive arm slot, Yarbrough has consistently kept hitters off balance, relying on varied pitches and precision rather than high velocity.
Yarbrough's unique pitching approach, characterized by his low-velocity fastball and strategic pitch selection, has allowed him to be effective in disrupting opposing lineups. His ability to induce weak contact and maintain control over his pitches has been key to his success on the mound.
The addition of Yarbrough provides the Yankees with a seasoned left-handed arm that can handle various pitching roles, offering flexibility and depth to their pitching staff. While Yarbrough's strikeout rate may not be among the highest, his track record of solid performances and durability make him a valuable asset to the team, especially given their current pitching needs.
Despite some initial skepticism from fans and commentators, Yarbrough's signing represents a calculated move by the Yankees to bolster their pitching options and address the team's immediate requirements. As the season unfolds, Yarbrough's contributions on the field will likely play a crucial role in shaping the Yankees' pitching strategy and overall performance.
