Yankees Add Pitcher Kaleb Ort Off Waivers From Astros

The New York Yankees have added a new arm to their bullpen, claiming right-handed pitcher Kaleb Ort off waivers from the Houston Astros, the team announced on Friday. At 33, Ort brings veteran experience and provides another option for a relief corps that could use reinforcements. While the Yankees remain active in free agency and trade speculation, Ort’s acquisition adds a quietly significant piece to their pitching puzzle.

Ort began his MLB career with the Boston Red Sox, pitching from 2021 to 2023. He made only one appearance in 2021 and struggled to find consistency in 2022 and 2023, but he earned more experience and innings at the big league level. His time with Boston laid the groundwork for his later improvements with Houston.

In 2024, Ort debuted with the Astros and posted a strong 2.55 ERA across 22 appearances, showing promise as a middle reliever. Last season, however, his numbers slipped as he recorded a 4.89 ERA over a career-high 49 outings, highlighting both durability and the need for continued refinement in his game.

Despite mixed results in recent seasons, Ort’s veteran presence and experience in multiple bullpens could make him a valuable addition for New York. The Yankees view him as a candidate to compete for a major league role, potentially bolstering their middle relief options.

1. Yankees’ Bullpen Needs

The Yankees’ bullpen currently features arms such as David Bednar, Camilo Doval, and Fernando Cruz, but depth remains a concern heading into the 2026 season. Ort adds another right-handed option who could fill middle relief innings, giving manager Aaron Boone more flexibility in late-game situations. Ort’s ability to handle a high workload last season — 49 appearances with Houston — demonstrates his durability, a key factor for a team looking to protect its front-line relievers. While the Yankees might also benefit from adding a left-handed reliever, Ort still provides value as a right-handed matchup option. New York’s bullpen has been an area of focus for improvement, especially in middle innings and long relief situations. Ort will likely compete during spring training for a spot on the Opening Day roster, bringing experience and a fresh arm to a unit that struggled at times last season. Ort’s addition is low-risk but potentially high-reward, offering the Yankees insurance against injuries and inconsistency in a bullpen that will see heavy usage throughout the season.

2. Ort’s Career Trajectory

Kaleb Ort’s career has had its ups and downs, moving from Boston to Houston before landing in New York. After limited action in 2021, he struggled in 2022-23 but showed promise in his first season with the Astros in 2024, posting a 2.55 ERA. Despite the 4.89 ERA in 2025, Ort proved he can handle a heavy workload at the big league level. His experience in multiple organizations gives him versatility and familiarity with different bullpen roles, making him adaptable to the Yankees’ needs. Ort has mostly served as a middle reliever, though his durability opens the possibility of being used in high-leverage situations if he performs well in spring training. His presence also allows New York to preserve other bullpen pieces for late-inning roles. This signing is indicative of the Yankees’ strategy of supplementing high-profile moves with veteran depth, ensuring the roster can withstand the grind of a full 162-game season plus the postseason.

3. Looking Ahead for the Yankees

Ort’s addition may not be the Yankees’ final move before spring training. New York has been linked to marquee players such as Cody Bellinger and Bo Bichette, indicating that the team could make at least one significant splash in free agency. In the meantime, Ort provides competition and flexibility in the bullpen, ensuring the Yankees have multiple options heading into March. His veteran presence could also benefit younger pitchers in the system as they prepare for major league opportunities. As spring training approaches, all eyes will be on how Ort and the rest of the bullpen fit into New York’s rotation and relief strategy. The team’s front office has emphasized depth and flexibility, and Ort’s acquisition aligns with that approach. Ort’s presence, coupled with potential free agent or trade additions, will help the Yankees position themselves for another deep playoff run in 2026.