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The Mets–Yankees pipeline remains strong this offseason.
Former Mets infielder Zack Short recently agreed to a minor league deal with the Yankees, per the team’s transaction page.
The Amazin’s inked ex-Yankees relievers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver in recent weeks, while the Yankees re-signed former Mets Paul Blackburn and Amed Rosario.
Short, 30, has appeared in each of the past five MLB seasons, flashing some power and versatility while playing second base, third base, shortstop, and the outfield.
The Kingston, New York native debuted in the majors with the Tigers in 2021 and will now join his sixth organization in three years.
The Bronx native and fellow infielder Andrew Velazquez, who spent last year in the Yankees’ system, recently signed a deal with the Texas Rangers, opening up a spot in Triple-A.
Short is expected to provide infield depth for the Yankees, who will be without shortstop Anthony Volpe to open the 2026 season after he underwent labrum surgery following a disappointing 2025.
Trade deadline acquisition José Caballero is expected to man shortstop in Volpe’s absence. General manager Brian Cashman admitted he had “no idea” how the position will ultimately shake out given the Volpe’s injury and inconsistency.
“You can never predict somebody’s journey, somebody’s impact,” Cashman said during the Winter Meetings. “[Volpe and Caballero are] both quality players in their own right, but … I still believe everything that we felt about [Volpe] prior to his surgery, and I’m happy we have Cabby as well. So I have no idea where things will go.”
Short — who grew up a Mets fan — was claimed off waivers by the Amazin’s in November 2023, a move that came with mixed emotions.
“I don’t want to say [my family was] more excited than I was — but, yes, they were all very excited,” Short told The Post with a laugh. “‘You got picked up by the Mets!’ I was more so: This is very exciting, but it’s early in the offseason … and I still have to accept the fact that I was DFA’d.”
The infielder entered spring training competing for an Opening Day roster spot and ultimately made the team — learning the news just hours after the passing of his grandmother.
“It was a crazy morning,” an emotional Short told reporters.
Short went 1-for-9 with the Mets in 10 games before being designated for assignment to make room for All-Star slugger J.D. Martinez.
He was later traded to the Red Sox and DFA’d again after just two games, then claimed by the Mets’ NL East rival Braves.
After hitting a paltry .148 in 30 games with Atlanta, Short was DFA’d for the third time in a matter of weeks.
He resurfaced in the majors with the Astros last season, hitting .220 with two homers in 22 games before being designated for assignment once again.
In 241 career MLB games, Short has slashed .172/.271/.296 with 15 home runs.
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