As the 2025 baseball season unfolds its earliest chapters, the Yankees find themselves with an unexpected opportunity to strengthen their thin pitching ranks through a potential homecoming. Right-hander Cody Poteet, shipped to Chicago months ago in the Cody Bellinger acquisition, now finds himself designated for assignment by the Cubs in a startling Opening Day personnel decision.
The timing proves particularly fortuitous for a Yankees organization currently weathering significant pitching shortages, with ace Gerrit Cole sidelined for the year following Tommy John surgery and rotation pieces Clarke Schmidt and JT Brubaker also occupying spots on the injured list. While the team currently leans on innings-eaters like Ryan Yarbrough and Brent Headrick, Poteet’s sudden availability presents an intriguing opportunity amid challenging circumstances.
Insider sources hint that the Yankees are discussing the option seriously.
December deal paying dividends, but Poteet retains value
Last winter’s headline-grabbing transaction between New York and Chicago delivered Bellinger and high-leverage reliever Devin Williams to the Bronx. The Yankees parted with fan-favorite starter Nestor Cortes Jr. – who coincidentally returns to Yankee Stadium this weekend wearing Milwaukee colors – along with Poteet, a quietly effective depth option with untapped potential.
Financial considerations played a significant role in shaping the exchange, with Chicago agreeing to absorb just $5 million of Bellinger’s substantial contract. This fiscal reality diminished the prospect haul for the Cubs, with Poteet ultimately representing the final component needed to finalize the agreement.
Despite limited action in 2024 due to health setbacks, Poteet compiled an impressive 2.22 ERA across 24.1 innings when available. Opposing hitters managed only a .207 batting average against him, while he accumulated 23 strikeouts. His signature performance came against the eventually crowned World Series champion Dodgers, delivering a scoreless masterpiece that garnered attention throughout baseball circles.
Low-risk acquisition opportunity presents itself
With Poteet now designated and potentially available through waivers, the Yankees would be prudent to act decisively before competing organizations express interest. Even should he clear the waiver process, arranging a modest cash transaction with Chicago could secure his return before rival teams intervene.
The Yankees aren’t facing complete pitching destitution, having already elevated Carrasco into their starting five while taking calculated risks on soft-tossing southpaws Yarbrough and Headrick. Nevertheless, pitching depth remains the cornerstone of sustainable success, and organizations rarely lament having surplus capable arms.
Considering Poteet’s previous tenure within the organization and established relationships with New York’s coaching personnel, he could integrate seamlessly, providing either rotation insurance or multi-inning relief capabilities from the bullpen. His salary is around $750,000.
Balancing immediate roster constraints
Though infield reinforcements may currently dominate organizational conversations following Oswald Peraza‘s recent setback, pitching remains the fundamental long-term consideration. The relief corps lacks depth, while rotation durability questions persist with Carlos Rodón, Max Fried, and Carrasco each carrying significant injury histories.
Reacquiring Poteet represents a minimal risk with considerable upside potential, aligning perfectly with general manager Brian Cashman’s established philosophy of value acquisition and depth accumulation.
Strategic opportunity awaits decision
Poteet’s abbreviated Yankees tenure nonetheless showcased genuine promise. As the organization navigates early-season injury challenges, bringing back a familiar talent could provide crucial coverage across multiple pitching roles.
Should the acquisition cost prove minimal, New York has every incentive to preempt the waiver process and orchestrate Poteet’s return to the Bronx. As the 2025 campaign begins amid measured optimism, the Yankees must remain receptive to all viable pitching solutions.
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