Yankees strengthen shortstop and bullpen with sneaky additions
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Follow UsNew York — The New York Yankees have opened their 2026 offseason with two quiet signings that could play an important role as the season approaches.
The front office added shortstop depth and bullpen support by bringing in infielder Jonathan Ornelas and right handed pitcher Yovanny Cruz on minor league deals. The moves came at a time when the Yankees face an early challenge with Anthony Volpe recovering from shoulder surgery.
Former Braves infielder joins Yankees’ infield mix
Ornelas, 25, agreed to a minor league contract with the Yankees on Nov. 14. He spent the 2025 season split between the Rangers and the Braves systems. His numbers at Triple A showed a tough year at the plate. He hit .196 with a .295 on base percentage and a .303 slugging mark across almost 400 plate appearances.
His major league experience has also been limited. He has played in 32 big league games across three seasons. His career line sits at .208 with a .263 on base percentage and no home runs. The Yankees value his glove much more than his bat. Ornelas has logged more than 3,500 innings at shortstop in the minors and has game time at second, third and both corner outfield spots.
In 2025, he played two games and went 2-for-4 before the Braves released him in September. The Yankees believe his defensive range and versatility give him a chance to be useful if he finds any offensive improvement.
Ornelas will join the Yankees in spring training on a non roster invitation. He also has the ability to opt out midseason if he is not added to the 40 man roster. That option gives him flexibility and gives the Yankees a chance to evaluate him without a roster commitment.
Red Sox connection brings bullpen arm
Cruz may be the more intriguing name of the two additions. The Yankees signed him from Boston’s system on Nov. 8. He is 26 and has been in professional baseball for nine years, yet he has never pitched above Double A. His arm strength gives the Yankees a reason to take a closer look.
Cruz posted a 3.04 ERA for Double A Portland in 2025. He struck out 72 hitters in 59 and one third innings but also walked 44. His command has held him back, but his raw stuff has long kept teams interested.
The Dominican native can reach 101 miles per hour with his fastball. In 2024 he threw one of the fastest pitches in the minors at 101.3 miles per hour. He pairs that with a hard slider near the high 80s, a curveball with sweep and a changeup in the low 90s.
One report noted, “If the Yankees can find a way to harness Cruz’s stuff, they might have a legitimate relief option on their hands as soon as the second half of this upcoming season.” The upside is there if the command takes even a small step forward.
Cruz will start the season at Triple A Scranton Wilkes Barre. It will be his first time pitching at that level. His path slowed after the canceled 2020 season and an injury in 2021. He later spent time with the Padres before moving into the Red Sox system.
He is currently pitching for Gigantes del Cibao in the Dominican Winter League. He has allowed one run in his first four outings which cover four and two thirds innings.
Volpe absence creates opportunity
The Yankees signed Ornelas and Cruz because they will need depth while Volpe recovers. Volpe underwent surgery on Oct. 15 to repair a partially torn labrum in his left shoulder. His timeline keeps him out until at least April.
Manager Aaron Boone said Volpe will not swing a bat for four months. He also said Volpe cannot dive on his shoulder for six months. General manager Brian Cashman added, “Somebody will be playing shortstop, not him, Opening Day.”
Jose Caballero is expected to start at shortstop if the Yankees do not add another infielder before Opening Day. Braden Shewmake, Jorbit Vivas and Oswaldo Cabrera are also in the mix. Shewmake is the only natural shortstop in that group. He hit .244 with a .318 on base percentage last year at Triple A but has not earned a permanent major league role.
The Yankees front office is expected to keep searching for an experienced utility infielder before spring training. Until then, Ornelas provides a defensive option who can cover shortstop if needed.
Building through low-risk deals
The Yankees pursued Ornelas and Cruz because they carry low cost and low risk. Neither player requires a 40 man spot. That gives the Yankees freedom to adjust as the season progresses.
Ornelas offers defensive coverage at several positions. The Yankees will hope he shows signs of improvement at the plate after a down year. His age still gives him time to turn a corner.
Cruz is a different type of project. His fastball gives the Yankees something to build on. The main question is whether he can reduce his walk rate and command the strike zone. If he can, the Yankees might unlock a bullpen weapon.
The Yankees have had success with similar projects in recent seasons. Elmer Rodriguez Cruz, who came over from Boston in 2024, has grown into one of the better pitching prospects in the system. That track record adds more confidence in the decision to take a chance on Cruz.
Depth matters in long season
These moves may not grab headlines. Fans are focused on bigger offseason stories such as the Yankees pursuits of top players like Cody Bellinger or Alex Bregman. But depth has played a major role in recent Yankees seasons.
The Yankees finished 94 and 68 in 2025 and reached the playoffs for the eighth time in nine years. Their season ended in the Division Series against Toronto. Injuries, including those to key position players, weakened their roster at important stretches of the season.
Volpe’s injury shows why the Yankees must stock up on infield options. They cannot afford to open a season without a reliable shortstop plan. Ornelas gives them a safety net. Cruz offers a chance for a bullpen boost if he develops at Triple A.
These signings may seem small, but they could become important as the long season unfolds. The Yankees will get their first full look at both players when spring training begins.
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