NEW YORK — The New York Yankees have added to their catching depth by reuniting with veteran backstop Rob Brantly on a minor league deal. The signing, announced Monday by Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, marks a return to the organization for a player who spent parts of two seasons in pinstripes from 2021-22.
Brantly, 36, rejoins the Yankees at a time when their minor league catching ranks were thinned by recent trade deadline moves. The club dealt prospects Rafael Flores and Jesus Rodriguez in separate packages, leaving room for a seasoned option behind the plate.
Before his return, Brantly was with the Miami Marlins organization. He logged a brief major league stint in April, going 3-for-7 at the plate before a lat strain placed him on the 60-day injured list. A later knee issue also sidelined him. At Triple-A Jacksonville, however, he delivered a strong .359/.390/.590 slash line over 41 plate appearances prior to his release.
Second Yankees stint for journeyman catcher
This is Brantly’s second stretch with the Yankees system. During his first run, he served as depth behind Gary Sanchez, Kyle Higashioka, and Jose Trevino. He appeared in seven major league games for New York, producing a .174/.208/.261 line in 24 plate appearances.
One of his standout moments came in May 2022, when he doubled to break up a perfect game bid by Chicago White Sox pitcher Michael Kopech, showing his veteran instincts in a key spot.
Originally a third-round pick by the Detroit Tigers in 2010, Brantly has appeared in parts of 10 MLB seasons. He owns a career .226/.286/.323 line over 472 plate appearances, and he has not topped 36 plate appearances in any one season since 2013.
Yankees’ catching depth opens the door
At the big league level, the Yankees currently have Austin Wells, J.C. Escarra, and Ben Rice on the roster. But deadline trades that sent Rodriguez and Flores to San Francisco and Pittsburgh in deals for relievers Camilo Doval and David Bednar left Triple-A thin at catcher.
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre had been relying on 24-year-old Omar Martinez and organizational catcher Edinson Duran before Brantly’s arrival. The veteran’s familiarity with the Yankees’ system and his 13 Triple-A seasons, spanning more than 2,700 plate appearances, make him an asset in both depth and leadership.
Established Triple-A performer
Brantly has been a steady contributor at the highest minor league level for multiple organizations, including the Marlins, Rays, and Yankees. A UC Riverside product, he has developed a reputation for adapting quickly to new teams and mentoring younger players.
While his chances for significant MLB time this year may be slim, the Yankees value his experience and readiness to step in if needed. The move is a low-risk way to fortify a key position and add an experienced presence to the clubhouse.
The decision to bring back Brantly underscores New York’s focus on maintaining system-wide depth as they push for a postseason berth.
Maeda sharp in Triple-A start as rotation candidate
In other Yankees developments, veteran right-hander Kenta Maeda turned in his best outing since joining the organization, potentially putting himself in the mix for a call-up.
The 37-year-old threw six scoreless innings for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Saturday against Lehigh Valley, allowing five hits and striking out seven without a walk. He threw 91 pitches in the win, marking a turnaround from earlier struggles.
Maeda began the season with the Detroit Tigers, posting a 7.88 ERA out of the bullpen before his release in May. He then signed with the Chicago Cubs, making 12 starts for Triple-A Iowa and recording a 5.97 ERA over 57.1 innings before being released again last week.
Veteran experience could factor into rotation plans
Maeda brings an established track record, having gone 47-35 with a 3.87 ERA in four seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2016-19. He later spent four years in Minnesota, where he posted an 18-14 record and a 4.02 ERA when healthy.
The Yankees signed Maeda for organizational depth, but his latest performance could accelerate any consideration for a promotion as the club evaluates rotation options for the final stretch of the season.
Yankees stockpile veteran insurance
Both Brantly and Maeda fit the Yankees’ late-season strategy of adding proven players to guard against injuries and performance dips. While neither is guaranteed a major role at the MLB level, each brings experience, leadership, and immediate depth in critical areas.
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