In a move that bolsters their pitching roster, the New York Yankees have signed left-hander Ryan Yarbrough to a one-year deal, as the team gears up for the upcoming season. Yarbrough, who recently parted ways with the Toronto Blue Jays, landed a $2 million contract with the Yankees, with the potential to rake in an additional $250,000 through performance bonuses, according to ESPN and as reported by ABC7NY.

The Yankees found themselves needing to create space on their 40-man roster for Yarbrough, thereby placing right-hander Luis Gil on the 60-day injured list due to a right lat strain, as per a statement obtained by NBC New York. Having been released from a minor league deal by the Blue Jays, Yarbrough was quick to jump at the opportunity to join the Yankees, stating, "There were other teams, but this was by far the team I was most interested in," he was quoted as saying by The Athletic. Known for his control and off-speed pitches, he brought a diverse repertoire to the mound, including a sinker and a curveball that played a prominent role last season.

Yarbrough's unconventional pitching style, characterized by a slight sidearm delivery, has been a strong suit in his seven-season career. Ready to "rock and roll," as he reported to the Yankees' clubhouse this morning, Yarbrough seems set to take the mound in the team's upcoming exhibition game. He spent his initial seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays and has been part of four teams since the start of the 2023 season, including stints with Kansas City and the Dodgers before joining the Yankees as his fifth team within that timeframe. ESPN reported his fastball averaged 86.2 mph last season, ranking it third-slowest among qualified pitchers.

While Yarbrough's past performances have largely been in a reliever capacity, his role with the Yankees is expected to follow suit, though specifics on his use have not been divulged. Last season, he amassed a 3.19 ERA in 98 innings over 44 relief appearances, honing his craft to keep hitters guessing with multiple pitch types, as detailed by ABC7NY. "I think it's just a weird look, something they're not used to seeing," Yarbrough said, "Especially from my slot and from the left side. And then I think the biggest thing has just been keeping guys off balance, multiple pitches, being able to throw them at any time. Just keeping guys guessing up there. Attacking guys and staying ahead," he told ESPN.