Yankees reportedly bring back another versatile lefty with first signing of offseason

The New York Yankees' first impulse of the offseason made perfect sense for their current budgetary position: Tim Hill's option was picked up, while Jonathan Loaisiga's was declined. Their second offseason splurge made a similar amount of sense, especially with left-hander Carlos Rodón likely unavailable for the month of April after starting the offseason with a surgical procedure.

According to FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray, the Yankees are "closing in" on a deal for Ryan Yarbrough, who they stealthily picked up off the Toronto Blue Jays' cut list just before Opening Day 2025.

Yarbrough may have ended the season with a silent whimper, but he certainly had his moments throughout the campaign, and was essential in stabilizing the rotation before his midsummer injury/prior to the arrival of the electric Cam Schlittler.

Is Yarbrough a season-shifter? Probably not. But he's an upgrade on the Carlos Carrascos of the world, and the Yankees need innings eaters locked down before they consider any upgrades.

UPDATE: According to ESPN's Buster Olney, the deal is for $2.5 million over one year. There is no reported option attached.

Yankees reportedly bringing Ryan Yarbrough back on one-year deal

Though Yarbrough had a few difficult outings last season - his attempt to combat Boston's lefty mashing lineup and his odd September appearance in Minnesota come to mind - he was an effective option in the early summer, and even a conquering hero a few different times (six innings, four hits, one run on Sunday Night Baseball against the Dodgers?).

Overall, Yarbrough posted a 4.36 ERA in 19 games (eight starts) and seemingly hung close by the Yankees after formally hitting free agency at season's end - Aaron Judge was in his Instagram comments after a trip to Universal Studios, and he wouldn't ask just any teammate what wand he picked at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Yarbrough won't be the flashiest addition the Yankees make this offseason - whether that splash comes offensively or in the middle of their rotation (Tatsuya Imai?) has yet to be determined. Brian Cashman needed to do a good deal of dirty work this offseason while he was distracted by more exceptional pursuits, though, and Yarbrough counts as moving with intentionality to add quality, trustworthy innings.