Yankees Rumors: Harrison Bader Placed on Waivers amid NYY's Struggles

The New York Yankees reportedly continue to make roster changes amid their lost 2023 season.

According to Newsday's Erik Boland, the Yankees placed outfielder Harrison Bader on waivers on Tuesday. The move comes after the team announced the release of veteran third baseman Josh Donaldson.

The Yankees acquired Bader at the 2022 trade deadline from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery. He's set to become a free agent at the end of this season.

Bader appeared in 82 games this season and slashed .242/.279/.370 with seven home runs and 37 RBI. He registered 68 hits with 55 strikeouts, 13 walks and 16 stolen bases. Prior to his release, he was mired in a 5-for-45 slump over his last 14 games.

The move to waive Bader comes after New York chose to hold on to him beyond this season's trade deadline despite the team's rumored interest in shipping him away. The Yankees likely hoped to continue competing for a spot in the playoffs, but things took a turn for the worse over the second half of the year.

At 63-68, New York ranks last in the AL East and appears to be on its way to its first losing season since 1992. It's a disappointing showing for a team that entered the year with aspirations of contending for a spot in the World Series.

Entering Tuesday's game against the Detroit Tigers, the Yankees are seeking back-to-back wins for the first time since the beginning of August.