The New York Yankees have made a few roster moves this offseason, with the majority being depth signings and additions instead of their typical blockbuster deals.
While all eyes are on Cody Bellinger and the top of the starting pitching trade market, the Yankees have made lower-level, depth roster moves, including their most recent one involving a reliever.
According to Ari Alexander of 7 News, the Yankees have claimed former Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox right-handed reliever Kaleb Ort off waivers. Ort will join the Yankees bullpen in 2026 after spending the last five years with their rivals.
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"Source: RHP Kaleb Ort has been claimed off waivers by the Yankees," Alexander reported Friday afternoon.
Ort is a 33-year-old veteran who will be 34 at the start of the 2026 season. He's spent the last five years with the Red Sox and Astros, with his 2021-2023 seasons coming in Boston, and 2024-2025 seasons coming in Houston.
With the Red Sox, he had a 6.27 ERA in 47 games and 51.2 innings pitched with 51 strikeouts and 25 walks. While his 71 ERA+ was far from ideal, his time in Houston was much better.
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Over the last two seasons, Ort had a 4.08 ERA in 71 games with 75 strikeouts, 31 walks, and an ERA+ of 102 across 70.2 innings pitched.
This past season for Houston, in 46 innings across 49 appearances, Ort had a 4.89 ERA with -0.1 bWAR. The year before, Ort had an impressive 2.55 ERA in 22 games and 24.2 innings for the Astros with 0.5 bWAR on the year.
The Yankees are getting the 6-foot-4, 248-pound right-handed reliever to join their bullpen as a depth addition. While he's not as exciting as some of the remaining free agents, Ort is a solid depth piece who could help the Yankees in 2026.
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