Yankees Reportedly Re-Sign Ryan Yarbrough to Contract, Where Does LHP Fit on Roster?

The New York Yankees reportedly are re-signing left-handed pitcher Ryan Yarbrough to a one-year deal, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.

ESPN's Kiley McDaniel reported the deal is worth $2.5 million, with an additional $250,000 available through performance bonuses.

Yarbrough operated as both a starter and bullpen arm in 2025 for the team, finishing 3-1 in 19 total appearances (eight starts) with a 4.36 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 55 strikeouts in 64 innings.

It is probable that Yarbrough will continue in that versatile role, though he likely will operate primarily as a long arm out of the bullpen, with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Luis Gil, Clarke Schmidt and Will Warren all under contract and available in the rotation.

Granted, much will depend on how Cole and Schmidt return from season-ending injuries, or whether Schlittler can continue pitching at the impressive level he maintained late in the season and into the playoffs. And then there's Gil, who is talented but can struggle with command.

Cole, Rodón and Schmidt are expected to start the 2026 season on the injured list, so there may be starts available for Yarbrough early in the campaign.

Granted, free agency may provide even more pitching depth. The Athletic's Brendan Kuty reported that the Yankees are "interested" in Japanese starter Tatsuya Imai and "view him—as many teams do—as at least a mid-rotation type, according to a league source."

But for now, Yarbrough is likely to operate wherever the Yankees need him, which could be the rotation early in the season and the bullpen the rest of the way. He's a nice depth option for the Yanks.