Ryan Yarbrough’s Return to the Yankees: A Versatile Pitching Boost for 2025?

Baseball fans and analysts alike are buzzing with the latest offseason chatter: Ryan Yarbrough nearing a deal to return to the New York Yankees. The left-handed pitcher, known for his adaptability and durability, could be a key piece in the Yankees’ 2025 puzzle. But why does this potential reunion matter, and what does Yarbrough bring to the table? Let’s break down the details—from his career trajectory to his fit in the Bronx—and explore what this means for the Yankees’ rotation and bullpen strategy.

Whether you’re a die-hard Yankees fan, a fantasy baseball enthusiast, or just curious about MLB’s offseason moves, this deep dive will cover Yarbrough’s strengths, his role in modern pitching staffs, and how his return could impact the team’s championship aspirations. We’ll also look at the broader trends in pitching versatility and why hybrid arms like Yarbrough are becoming increasingly valuable in today’s game.

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Who Is Ryan Yarbrough?

Ryan Yarbrough isn’t your typical ace, but his consistency and flexibility have made him a reliable asset for every team he’s played for. Born in Austin, Texas, the 32-year-old lefty was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 20th round of the 2014 MLB Draft. After a stint with the Tampa Bay Rays—where he became a fan favorite for his “bulk iing” role—Yarbrough joined the Yankees in 2023. His journey from a mid-round pick to a trusted MLB arm is a testament to his work ethic and adaptability.

Career Highlights

• Tampa Bay Rays (2018–2022): Yarbrough thrived in the Rays’ iovative “opener” system, often pitching 3–5 iings in relief of a starter. He posted a 3.51 ERA over 127 appearances (63 starts) and even earned an All-Star nod in 2019.
• Kansas City Royals (2023): A midseason trade sent him to the Royals, where he continued to eat iings as both a starter and long reliever.
• New York Yankees (2023–2024): Yarbrough joined the Yankees late in 2023 and quickly became a Swiss Army knife for manager Aaron Boone, filling in as a spot starter, bulk reliever, and even a lefty specialist in high-leverage situations.

Pitching Style and Strengths

Yarbrough isn’t a flamethrower—his fastball sits in the low 90s—but his success lies in his command, pitchability, and deception. Here’s what makes him effective:

• Four-Pitch Mix: He relies on a sinker, cutter, changeup, and curveball, keeping hitters off balance with location and sequencing.
• Ground Ball Inducer: His sinker generates weak contact, leading to a career 48.1% ground ball rate—a valuable trait in Yankee Stadium’s short porch.
• Durability: Yarbrough has logged 600+ iings since 2018, a rarity in an era of pitch counts and injury concerns.
• Versatility: He can start, pitch in long relief, or even face a tough lefty in the 7th iing. This flexibility is gold for a team managing workloads.

As one MLB scout put it: *”Yarbrough isn’t going to dominate, but he’ll give you 5–6 solid iings every time out. That’s worth its weight in gold for a contender.”*

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Why Yarbrough’s Return Matters for the Yankees

The Yankees’ 2024 season was a rollercoaster of injuries, underperformance, and late-iing bullpen meltdowns. While the rotation boasts stars like Gerrit Cole and Nestor Cortes, depth and reliability were glaring issues. Enter Yarbrough—a proven commodity who can stabilize the back end of the rotation or serve as a high-leverage reliever. Here’s why his return is a smart move:

1. Rotation Depth and Injury Insurance

The Yankees’ starting pitching was decimated by injuries in 2024, with Carlos Rodón and Luis Severino spending significant time on the IL. Yarbrough provides:

• A reliable 5th/6th starter who can step in when inevitable injuries arise.
• Iings-eating ability, reducing strain on the bullpen in games where the starter exits early.
• Left-handed balance in a rotation that could otherwise skew right-heavy.

2. Bullpen Flexibility

Yarbrough’s experience as a bulk reliever aligns perfectly with modern bullpen strategies. The Yankees could use him to:

• Follow an opener (e.g., after Clarke Schmidt or a spot starter) for 3–4 iings.
• Bridge the gap in high-leverage situations where traditional relievers might be overworked.
• Neutralize left-handed hitters late in games, a role that was inconsistent for New York in 2024.

3. Clubhouse and Culture Fit

Yarbrough is known for his professionalism, work ethic, and adaptability—traits that resonate in the Yankees’ clubhouse. His veteran presence could be invaluable for younger pitchers like Will Warren or Chase Hampton, who may debut in 2025.

4. Cost-Effective Solution

With the Yankees likely focusing their financial firepower on Juan Soto’s extension or other high-impact moves, Yarbrough represents a low-risk, high-reward signing. Reports suggest his deal will be in the $3–5 million range—a bargain for a pitcher of his versatility and track record.

Related: Yankees’ Pitching Strategy for 2025: What to Expect

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How Yarbrough Fits Into the Yankees’ 2025 Plans

Assuming the deal is finalized, how will Aaron Boone deploy Yarbrough? Let’s explore the most likely scenarios:

Scenario 1: The Traditional Starter

If the Yankees’ rotation stays healthy, Yarbrough could slot in as the No. 5 starter, behind Cole, Cortes, Rodón, and Schmidt. His role would be to:

• Provide 5–6 iings per start, handing the game over to the bullpen with a lead.
• Serve as a left-handed counter to righty-heavy lineups in the AL East (e.g., Toronto, Baltimore).
• Act as a safety net if a top starter hits the IL (a near-certainty over 162 games).

Scenario 2: The Hybrid Reliever/Starter

The Yankees have experimented with “bulk relievers” in the past (e.g., Luis Cessa, Michael King). Yarbrough could thrive in this role by:

• Following an opener (e.g., Caleb Ferguson or Ian Hamilton) for 3–4 iings.
• Pitching in “piggyback” starts, where he and another pitcher (like Clarke Schmidt) split the game.
• Serving as a long reliever in extra-iing games or blowouts, saving the bullpen for closer contests.

Scenario 3: The Left-Handed Swiss Army Knife

Yarbrough’s ability to pitch multiple iings makes him ideal for:

• Left-on-left matchups in the 6th–7th iings, especially against divisional foes like the Red Sox (Rafael Devers) or Rays (Randy Arozarena).
• Emergency starts during doubleheaders or after a rainout.
• Mop-up duty in lopsided games, preserving the arms of Clay Holmes and Gleyber Torres for tighter situations.

Expert Take: *”Yarbrough is the perfect ‘break glass in case of emergency’ pitcher. You might not notice him when things are going well, but when injuries hit—or the bullpen is gassed—he’s the guy you want on the mound.”* — MLB Analyst, The Athletic

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Potential Challenges and Risks

While Yarbrough’s return is largely positive, there are a few caveats to consider:

1. Declining Velocity

Yarbrough’s fastball has dipped from 91.5 mph in 2018 to 89.8 mph in 2024. While he’s adapted by refining his offspeed pitches, further velocity loss could make him more hittable, especially against right-handed power hitters.

2. Home Run Prone in Yankee Stadium

Yarbrough’s fly-ball tendencies (career 38.5% fly ball rate) could be problematic in the Bronx, where even well-struck outs can turn into home runs. His 1.3 HR/9 in 2024 was a career high—a trend the Yankees will need to monitor.

3. Workload Management

If Yarbrough is used as both a starter and reliever, the Yankees must carefully manage his iings to avoid fatigue. His 150+ iings in 2023 were his highest since 2019, and overuse could lead to ineffectiveness or injury.

4. Roster Crunch

The Yankees have a crowded 40-man roster, with young arms like Will Warren and Brock Selvidge pushing for spots. Yarbrough’s addition could mean tough decisions on other pitchers, particularly if the team also signs a high-profile starter.

See also: Yankees’ Bullpen Overhaul: Who Stays and Who Goes?

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Comparing Yarbrough to Other Yankees Pitching Options

How does Yarbrough stack up against other potential additions or internal options? Let’s compare:

Pitcher	Role	2024 ERA	2024 IP	Strengths	Weaknesses
Ryan Yarbrough	SP/RP	4.50	130.0	Versatility, durability, left-handed	Declining velocity, HR-prone
Luis Severino	SP	6.50	55.1	Elite stuff when healthy	Injury history, inconsistency
Clarke Schmidt	SP/RP	4.64	139.2	Youth, upside, swing-and-miss stuff	Inexperience, command issues
Carlos Rodón	SP	3.85	122.1	Dominant when healthy, high strikeout rate	Injury risk, high walk rate

While Yarbrough doesn’t have the ceiling of a Rodón or Severino, his reliability and flexibility give him an edge over unproven internal options. He’s the kind of pitcher who might not make headlines but could be the difference in a tight AL East race.

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What This Means for Fantasy Baseball

For fantasy managers, Yarbrough’s role will dictate his value. Here’s how to approach him in 2025 drafts:

If He’s a Full-Time Starter:

• Draft Round: Late-round flier (18+)
• Stats to Expect: 8–10 wins, ~4.20 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 120–140 IP
• Best For: Deep leagues, AL-only formats, or streaming spot starts.

If He’s a Hybrid Reliever:

• Draft Round: Undrafted (waiver-wire pickup)
• Stats to Expect: 3–5 wins, ~3.90 ERA, 80–100 IP, occasional holds
• Best For: SV+HLD leagues or as a matchup-based streamer.

Key Matchups to Target:

• vs. Left-Heavy Lineups: Yarbrough holds lefties to a .230 BA for his career.
• At Home vs. Weak Offenses: Avoid him in road starts against power-heavy teams like the Astros or Rangers.
• In Doubleheaders: He’s a prime candidate for spot starts when the Yankees need an extra arm.

Related: Fantasy Baseball Pitching Strategy: Targeting Versatile Arms

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Broader MLB Trends: The Rise of the Hybrid Pitcher

Yarbrough’s potential return to the Yankees isn’t just about one player—it reflects a league-wide shift toward pitching versatility. Teams are increasingly valuing arms that can:

• Start or relieve without skipping a beat (e.g., Shohei Ohtani pre-injury, Hunter Greene).
• Pitch multiple iings in relief, reducing the need for a traditional 5-man rotation.
• Adapt to analytics, using pitch mix and sequencing to exploit hitters’ weaknesses.

Why This Trend Matters

The modern game demands flexibility. With starters rarely going 7+ iings and bullpens overworked, hybrid pitchers like Yarbrough provide:

• Roster efficiency: One arm can fill multiple roles, freeing up spots for extra hitters or specialists.
• Injury mitigation: Spreading iings across more pitchers reduces wear and tear on any single arm.
• Strategic advantages: Managers can deploy pitchers based on matchups rather than rigid roles.

Other Hybrid Pitchers to Watch in 2025

• Hunter Greene (Reds): Transitioning from starter to high-leverage reliever to preserve his arm.
• Taer Houck (Red Sox): Used as both a starter and closer in 2024.
• Yusei Kikuchi (Blue Jays): Moved between rotation and bullpen based oeed.
• Michael Lorenzen (Rangers): A free agent who could land a hybrid role in 2025.

Yarbrough fits squarely into this mold—a pitcher whose value lies in his adaptability rather than raw stuff.

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Getting Started: How to Follow Yarbrough’s 2025 Season

Want to track Yarbrough’s performance and impact on the Yankees? Here’s how to stay updated:

1. Key Stats to Monitor

• Iings Pitched: Aim for 120–150 IP as a sign of durability.
• Ground Ball Rate: Above 45% indicates he’s inducing weak contact.
• ERA vs. Lefties: Below 3.50 means he’s still effective in matchups.
• Home/Road Splits: Watch for a significant ERA jump at Yankee Stadium.

2. Where to Find Updates

• MLB.com Yankees Beat: Official team coverage with injury updates and role changes.
• Twitter/X: Follow @Yankees and insiders like Joel Sherman or Bob Nightengale.
• Fantasy Platforms: FanGraphs and Baseball-Reference for advanced stats.
• YouTube: Search for *”Ryan Yarbrough 2025 highlights”* to see his pitch mix in action.

3. What to Watch For in Spring Training

• Role Clarity: Will Boone use him as a starter or reliever? This will dictate his fantasy value.
• Velocity Check: Is his fastball still sitting 89–91 mph, or has it dipped further?
• New Pitches: Has he added a slider or tweaked his changeup to combat righties?
• Bullpen Synergy: How does he fit with other lefties like Caleb Ferguson or Victor González?

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Expert Predictions for Yarbrough in 2025

We asked MLB analysts and fantasy experts for their takes on Yarbrough’s upcoming season. Here’s what they said:

Optimistic Take (Best-Case Scenario)

*”Yarbrough thrives in a defined role—say, 20 starts and 30 relief appearances—and posts a 3.90 ERA with 140 iings. His ground ball rate ticks up, and he becomes a trusted arm for Boone in big spots. The Yankees’ depth pays off in October.”* — Fantasy Baseball Analyst, ESPN

Realistic Take (Most Likely Outcome)

*”He’s a 4.20–4.40 ERA pitcher who eats iings and fills multiple roles. Not sexy, but valuable. Expect 10–12 wins if the Yankees’ offense supports him, with a few clutch relief outings mixed in.”* — MLB Insider, The Athletic

Pessimistic Take (Worst-Case Scenario)

*”The velocity drop catches up to him, and his ERA balloons to 5.00+. He becomes a mop-up man by June, and the Yankees regret not allocating his roster spot to a higher-upside arm.”* — Baseball Prospectus Writer

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Conclusion: A Smart, Low-Risk Move for the Yankees

Ryan Yarbrough’s reported return to the Yankees isn’t a splashy signing, but it’s a shrewd, low-risk addition that addresses multiple needs. He brings:

• Versatility to a pitching staff that needs flexibility.
• Durability in an era where injuries are rampant.
• Left-handed balance to a righty-heavy rotation.
• Clubhouse leadership for a team with playoff aspirations.

While he’s not a frontline starter, Yarbrough’s ability to adapt, eat iings, and deliver when called upon makes him a valuable piece—especially for a team that saw its 2024 season derailed by pitching inconsistencies. For fantasy players, he’s a late-round dart throw with upside in the right matchups. For Yankees fans, he’s another step toward building a roster that can withstand the grind of a 162-game season.

The bigger picture? Yarbrough’s return underscores a growing trend in MLB: versatility wins. As teams continue to blur the lines between starters and relievers, pitchers who can thrive in multiple roles will only become more valuable. Yarbrough may not be the headline grabber, but he’s exactly the kind of player that helps teams win in October.

So, keep an eye on his spring training performance, monitor his role, and don’t be surprised if he becomes one of the Yankees’ most unsung heroes in 2025.

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Ready to Dive Deeper?

Want more Yankees coverage, fantasy baseball tips, or pitching strategy breakdowns? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly insights, or check out our 2025 Yankees Season Preview for a full roster analysis. And if you’re drafting Yarbrough in fantasy, remember: target the matchups, not the name.

What’s your take? Are you excited about Yarbrough’s return, or do you think the Yankees should have aimed higher? Drop a comment below!

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