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Former Rays Rookie of the Year candidate signs with Yankees to help starter shortage

ByMason Stacy|
Sep 24, 2018; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Ryan Yarborough (48) delivers a pitch during a game against the New York Yankees at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Griffith-Imagn Images
Sep 24, 2018; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Ryan Yarborough (48) delivers a pitch during a game against the New York Yankees at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Griffith-Imagn Images | Jeff Griffith-Imagn Images

After the losses of reliable starting pitchers Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil, the Yankees showed some desperation by signing ex-Rays left-hander Ryan Yarbrough. The Austin, Texas native was a part of the Rays organization from 2018-2022. He played a huge role in the Rays playoff runs during that time, especially when they made their second World Series appearance in 2020. Now, he'll be in the opposing dugout of their fiercest competitor.

The Seattle Mariners drafted the soft-throwing lefty in the 4th round of the 2014 draft out of Old Dominion University. He made his way to the Tampa Bay organization through a 2017 transaction between the Rays and Mariners. Tampa sent left-handed starter Drew Smyly to Seattle for Carlos Vargas, Mallex Smith, and Ryan Yarbrough.

It didn't take long for the 6'5 hurler to make his debut as he tossed four innings of one-run baseball on March 31st, 2018 against the Red Sox. His success would continue as he defied the odds with his uncanny ability to locate pitches and keep hitters off balance.

Yarbrough would complete his 2018 campaign as one of the top rookies in the American League. He finished tied for 5th in Rookie of the Year voting behind fellow Ray Joey Wendle, Gleyber Torres, Miguel Andujar, and the obvious winner Shohei Ohtani.

Despite his struggles as of late, Rays fans are aware of the lefty's ability to induce weak contact and miss bats with his unreal changeup. However, when his command is off, Yarborough becomes extremely hittable. Therefore, if Rays hitters can combine that reality with their immense knowledge of his approach, they could see a ton of success against their former teammate this season.

Nonetheless, the Yankees front office made a solid move with this addition. Even if he doesn't end up contributing for the AL East juggernaut in 2025, his presence as a depth piece could be extremely important. New York will be heading into Opening Day with a battered club, especially within their starting rotation. Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, Clarke Schmidt, Marcus Stroman, Will Warren, and 38-year old Carlos Carrasco will be the available starters, so Yarbrough will be a necessary roster addition.

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