New York — The phone call came earlier than Ryan Yarbrough expected. Just days into free agency, the left-hander found himself weighing options from multiple clubs. But one team stood out from the rest.
That team was the Yankees.
After a turbulent 2024 offseason that saw him linger on the open market until late February, Yarbrough experienced something far different this winter. The Yankees moved quickly. They made their intentions clear. And they offered something the 33-year-old southpaw had rarely experienced in his journeyman career.
Certainty.
Yankees pursued Yarbrough aggressively from the start
Speaking on the Foul Territory podcast this week, Yarbrough detailed the circumstances that led to his one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Bronx Bombers.
“They called early and were aggressive,” Yarbrough said. “You’re always curious because you can add value and see where you fit in and hope to be back, but after free agency last year I didn’t have any real expectations.”
That last point carries significant weight. A year ago, Yarbrough waited nearly three months into the offseason before the Blue Jays signed him to a minor league contract. He never got comfortable in Toronto. When the club removed him from the roster in late March, he exercised an opt-out clause and became a free agent again.
Three days later, the Yankees came calling.
That late March signing worked out well enough. Yarbrough posted a 4.36 ERA and 1.20 WHIP across 64 innings for the Yankees in 2025. He made eight starts and 11 relief appearances. A right oblique strain cost him two months, but he proved his value as a versatile arm capable of handling multiple roles.
Family played role in pitcher’s decision to stay
The Yankees apparently liked what they saw. This time, they did not wait until spring training to secure his services.
“It was just kind of waiting to see how the market develops, so the fact that they wanted to jump early and get it done, I was very excited,” Yarbrough explained. “We enjoyed New York last year, they know who I am and how I can help, so it was the perfect fit.”
That reference to “we” suggests his family played a role in the decision. For a player who has suited up for five different organizations since 2018, stability matters. The Austin, Texas native found that in the Bronx.
The Yankees clearly value what Yarbrough brings to the table. The Old Dominion University product has compiled a 56-41 career record with a 4.22 ERA across 832 innings. He has held left-handed hitters to a .207 batting average throughout his career.
Yankees rotation depth becomes critical for 2026
Beyond personal comfort, the Yankees have a practical need for Yarbrough’s services. Their rotation faces serious questions heading into spring training.
Gerrit Cole continues recovering from Tommy John surgery. Carlos Rodon underwent elbow surgery last month to address loose bodies and a bone spur. He will miss at least the first few weeks of the season. Clarke Schmidt remains sidelined following his own Tommy John procedure. He likely will not return until the second half.
That leaves Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Luis Gil and Will Warren as the projected rotation members for Opening Day. The fifth spot remains open.
Yarbrough could fill that hole. His ability to transition between starting and relief roles gives manager Aaron Boone flexibility. If the Yankees add another starter through free agency or trade, Yarbrough slides into long relief as the second left-hander behind Tim Hill.
Veteran pitcher embraces uncertain role with Yankees
Either way, Yarbrough appears ready to handle whatever the Yankees ask of him.
“I know they’re going to ask a lot of different things out of me,” he said.
That adaptability defined his 2025 season in the Bronx. As a starter, Yarbrough went 3-1 with a 3.83 ERA across 40 innings. He allowed two runs or fewer in seven of his eight starts. Five of those outings featured one run or fewer.
The Yankees also benefited from his effectiveness against left-handed hitters. Opposing lefties managed just a .198 batting average against him last season.
At 33, Yarbrough has traveled a winding path through baseball. He began with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2018, setting a franchise rookie record with 16 wins. He won a World Series ring with the Dodgers in 2024, even though he was traded to Toronto midseason and collected the hardware as a Yankee.
Now he returns to the only organization that pursued him with urgency. The Yankees wanted him back. They made that clear from the start.
For a player accustomed to uncertainty, that aggressive pursuit meant everything.
The deal also represents smart business for the Yankees. At $2.5 million, Yarbrough provides cost-effective insurance for a rotation facing significant injury concerns. His contract includes $250,000 in performance bonuses.
Brian Cashman and the Yankees front office clearly learned from watching Yarbrough pitch through adversity last season. When multiple starters went down with injuries, he stepped up. He gave the club quality innings during a critical stretch.
Now Yarbrough prepares for his second full season in pinstripes. He knows his role might change depending on offseason moves. He knows the Yankees might add another arm before spring training.
None of that matters to him. What matters is that the Yankees valued him enough to act fast. They gave him something he rarely experienced during his eight-year career.
A team that truly wanted him.
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