New York Yankees claim Astros pitcher Kaleb Ort off waivers, bolster bullpen

The New York Yankees claim Kaleb Ort off waivers from Houston on January 9, bolstering their bullpen depth. The 33-year-old reliever brings a hard 96.4 mph fastball to compete for spots this spring.

Yankees Add Former Red Sox Reliever in Waiver Wire Move

Kaleb Ort, a 6-foot-4 right-hander, becomes the first external 40-man roster addition with MLB experience this offseason. The Houston Astros designated him for assignment earlier in the week to make room for another pitcher. New York took swift advantage of the waiver priority to bring him into the organization.

Ort joins Rule 5 draft pick Cade Winquest in competing for bullpen spots during spring training. The Yankees’ general lack of offseason activity has given them flexibility on their roster. This move signals the team’s continued focus on building depth behind established stars.

Hard Fastball Offers Swing and Miss Potential

The reliever’s strikeout pitch is his most compelling asset. Ort’s fastball averaged 97.5 mph in 2024, with last season clocking in at 96.4 mph across 49 appearances. This velocity places him in elite company among MLB relievers. His swing-and-miss ability could prove valuable despite recent struggles.

Despite the higher ERA, underlying metrics show promise. Ort posted a 3.41 expected ERA in 2025, suggesting some regression from outcomes. He held right-handed hitters to a strong .188 average and .628 OPS, demonstrating specific strengths.

2025 Season and Path Back to Relevance

“Ort, the former Red Sox who spent the last two years in Houston, will join the mix to compete for a spot in the Yankees bullpen this spring.”

— Greg Joyce, New York Post Sports Writer

Competition Heats Up in Yankees Bullpen Construction

The Yankees’ projected bullpen features established arms like David Bednar (closer), Camilo Doval (setup), and Fernando Cruz. Additional options include Tim Hill, Jake Bird, Paul Blackburn, and Brent Headrick. Ort and Winquest will battle for remaining roster spots. Spring training will determine who earns meaningful innings.

The bullpen construction has undergone significant change since Opening Day 2025. Bednar and Doval offer top-tier talent after deadline acquisitions. Adding low-cost options like Ort provides depth insurance if injuries strike early in the season.

Can Kaleb Ort Resurrect His Yankees Connection?

Ort originally came through the Yankees minor league system, reaching Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in 2019. The Red Sox snagged him in the 2020 Triple-A Rule 5 Draft. Now at age 33, this opportunity represents a chance for redemption with his original organization. Spring training will reveal if he can recapture the success from his 2024 campaign.

Will his 96-plus mph heat prove enough to carve out a role? Or will another comeback attempt fall short? The Yankees’ patient approach in claiming him suggests they believe in his potential for spring competition.

Sources

• New York Post – Yankees claim reliever Kaleb Ort to add bullpen competition
• MLB.com – Kaleb Ort claimed off waivers by Yankees
• ESPN – Kaleb Ort player statistics and career information

Michael Brown

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.