Yankees add ex-Rockies pitcher on minor-league deal after weekend opt-out

The New York Yankees may still be looking for that right-handed bat to complete their end-of-spring wishlist, but in the meantime, they've added an extra right-handed pitcher.

Jake Woodford, who opted out of his contract with the Colorado Rockies over the weekend after he failed to make their Opening Day roster, will reportedly sign a minor-league deal with the Yankees and report to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Woodford will not earn a 40-man roster spot.

While with the Rockies - a team known for making sane and salient decisions - in camp, Woodford posted a 5.25 ERA in seven games/three starts. A supplemental first-round pick of the St. Louis Cardinals back in 2015, he remained with the organization until 2023, when he moved on to the Chicago White Sox.

Woodford made seven starts (nine total outings) for last season's historic worst ChiSox, and struggled, posting a 7.97 ERA in 35 innings. Putting it as kindly as possible, Woodford has plenty to prove at Triple-A before earning anything more than a cursory glance with the Yankees.

Yankees sign Jake Woodford to minor-league deal after Rockies opt-out clause

Forgive us if the addition of Ryan Yarbrough creates a bit more optimism.

The Yankees' big-league rotation has thinned significantly since the start of camp, with Clarke Schmidt remaining in Florida to build up, while both Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil spend time on the long-term injured list. Gil is expected to return this summer, while Cole will be rehabilitating until midway through the 2026 campaign.

The ripple effects of the Yankees' MLB rotation being decimated have left the Triple-A group bare as well. Will Warren, expected to serve as shuttle depth, will instead crack the big-league roster for Opening Day. Same with Carlos Carrasco. Clayton Beeter and JT Brubaker, two potentially important swingmen at Triple-A, will also miss extended time with injuries. Tyler Matzek, a non-roster invitee who got off to a hot start, is still shaking off an early setback. The Yankees need a pitcher like Woodford to soak up innings in Scranton while they wait for the cavalry to return.

It will be a significant upset if his contributions reach the MLB roster this season - but also, we've definitely said that before and been wrong already.