THE BRONX, NY — The Yankees had until Friday at 5:00pm to make decisions on contract tenders, and have announced their decisions.
INF/OF Oswaldo Cabrera — Settled (1Y, $1.2M)
The Yankees and Oswaldo Cabrera settled on a deal to avoid arbitration. Cabrera has been a solid utility player for the Yankees in his career and should have some value in versatility. Cabrera was off to his best start before injuring his ankle running into home plate against the Mariners in May. Cabrera will be ready for spring training.
RHP Clarke Schmidt — Settled (1Y, $4.5M)
The Yankees and Clarke Schmidt also settled on a deal to avoid arbitration. Schmidt, when healthy, is one of the more underrated and consistent pitchers in MLB. The issue — Schmidt is always injured. He will begin the season late, coming off his second Tommy John Sugury.
RHP Mark Leiter Jr — Non-Tendered
The Yankees have non-tendered Mark Leiter Jr. Acquired at the 2024 trade deadline, Leiter Jr. posted a 4.89 across a season and a half and always seemed to be in the middle of bullpen meltdowns.
Ian Hamilton — Non-Tendered
Ian Hamilton was once a fun story. After years of struggles with the White Sox and Twins, Hamilton signed with the Yankees ahead of the 2023 season, posting a 2.64 ERA in his first season in pinstripes. Between injuries and general poor performance, it was time for the sides to part ways after a 2025 season where he was optioned to the minors in July.
Jake Cousins — Non-Tendered
The Yankees acquired Jake Cousins in March of 2024 and was one of the bigger arms out of the bullpen, posting a 2.37 ERA in 38 innings for the Yankees. With the expectation to be a big arm in the 2025 bullpen, the Yankees were excited to see what more Cousins could do, but between elbow injuries, and eventually Tommy John Surgery, the Yankees decided to part ways with the righty.
Scott Effross — Non-Tendered
The Yankees acquired Scott Effross at the 2022 trade deadline and was very good for the team down the stretch, posting a 2.13 ERA. Since 2022, Effross has struggled with his health and overall effectiveness.
Michael Arias — Non-Tendered
The Yankees have non-tendered Michael Arias, who did not appear for the major league team in his one season with the organization. He posted a 2.73 ERA across 29.2 minor league innings.