"Brian Cashman disasterclass has commenced"; "Smart move" - Yankees fans split on Ryan Yarbrough re-signing decision

The New York Yankees are bringing back left-hander Ryan Yarbrough, re-signing the veteran pitcher to a one-year deal, according to multiple reports.

Yarbrough, who joined the Yankees last season and worked in a hybrid long-relief and spot-start role, returns as the club begins reshaping its pitching depth for 2026.

Yarbrough appeared in 19 games for New York in 2025, including eight starts, and posted a 4.36 ERA with 55 strikeouts in 64 innings.

The Yankees relied on him most often as a multi-inning option when the rotation thinned during injuries, a role the front office is expected to maintain heading into next year, and the announcement drew immediate reaction from fans, who were quick to share mixed opinions online.

“I like it. Smart move,” one fan said. “Cashman disasterclass has commenced,” another fan wrote. “Why do we need 2 Tim Hill’s. Would be nice to go after a lefty that can strike people out,” one fan commented. “Oh, so Cashman is alive. I was getting worried there for a second,” another fan added. “Build him a statue and retire his number!!!!” one fan tweeted. “This is a very good depth move and the people complaining don’t know ball,” another fan wrote.

Cashman signals pitching search will continue as Yankees weigh depth, health and payroll

General manager Brian Cashman made it clear during last week’s GM Meetings that bolstering the pitching staff remains a priority, even as the Yankees expect several injured starters to rejoin the rotation early next season.

Cashman said the club cannot assume a clean bill of health heading into 2026 and must prepare accordingly.

“Hopefully health is blessed in the rotation in the early portion of February, March and April. But you can’t count on that,” Cashman said. “We’ll be exploring how to protect ourselves so we’re not taking on water early because our rotation is compromised out of the gate.”

Cashman reiterated that adding starting pitching will remain on the table, though the front office must balance outside additions with the need to keep roster space open for the returns of Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon and other recovering arms.

The Yankees are also preparing for internal options to play a role. The club is expected to add top pitching prospect Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz to the 40-man roster ahead of the Rule 5 Draft deadline.

Rodriguez-Cruz, 22, posted a 2.64 ERA in 11 starts at Double-A, striking out nearly 11 per nine innings, and could enter next season as an in-house depth option.

Edited by Shubham Soni