Yankees Add Hard-Throwing Lefty To Roster

 

The New York Yankees did not land free agent Kris Bryant, but they have claimed the pitcher the Colorado Rockies released to make room for him. 

Yoan Aybar spent six years in the Boston Red Sox minor league system, first as an outfielder, then as a reliever. He made the switch in 2018, and is still adjusting to his role on the mound, with a 5.06 ERA over a total of 131.2 innings at A and Double-A ball. He was picked up by the Rockies in 2020.

The 24-year-old left-hander throws some serious heat, however, striking out 10.3 batters per 9 innings thus far in his career. It's control that's the issue, as he's walked 88 in those 131+ innings. 

The Yankees will try to harness that velocity from Aybar, while adding some control, and they just might have a viable lefty for the 'pen.

The Rockies released Aybar when they needed to make room on their 40-man roster after signing Bryant to a 7-year, $182M deal. 

Photo Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports