In a move that sends subtle, yet definitive, tremors through the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry, the New York Yankees have just executed an “ultimate signing” by picking up a 26-year-old arm directly from the Boston Red Sox organization.
The “daring heist” centers on right-handed pitcher Yovanny Cruz, who was immediately snatched by the Yankees just days after electing free agency from the Red Sox.
The Acquisition: Yovanny Cruz
While this is not a Major League blockbuster, it is a quintessential Yankees move: acquiring a former high-upside prospect from a rival on a minor league deal, betting that their vaunted pitching development lab can unlock his potential.
- The Player: Yovanny Cruz (the main character in the heist), a 26-year-old right-handed relief pitcher.
- The Signing: Cruz was signed by the Yankees to a minor-league deal for the 2026 season on November 8, just two days after he elected free agency from the Red Sox.
- The Heist: The Yankees essentially poached a talented, cheap asset that the Red Sox organization opted not to protect or re-sign, securing his services for nothing more than a minor-league contract.
Why This is an “Ultimate Signing”
The term “ultimate signing” is used because of the specific elements Cruz brings to the Yankees farm system, which is in constant need of high-ceiling, cost-controlled relief pitching:
- Triple-Digit Velocity: Cruz is known for a fastball that can touch triple-digits, paired with an effective, high-velocity slider. The raw stuff is undoubtedly Major League quality.
- Double-A Dominance: In 2025, pitching entirely out of the bullpen for the Red Sox’s Double-A Portland affiliate, Cruz put up a solid 3.04 ERA and struck out 72 batters over 5932 innings. He also logged a career-high 10.92 K/9 rate.
- The Yankees Pitching Lab Bet: Cruz’s biggest flaw in 2025 was his control, as he issued 44 walks (a 6.67 BB/9 rate). The Yankees are betting that their advanced analytics and pitching coaches—often touted as the best in the business—can help him refine his command and cut the walks. If they succeed, they will have a high-leverage reliever for pennies.
- No MLB Cost: Since Cruz has not yet made his Major League debut, he retains his rookie eligibility and his minor league options, making him a low-risk, high-upside lottery ticket for the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre bullpen.
While the Yankees are making headlines for pursuing names like Cody Bellinger and Michael King, this under-the-radar signing is a classic move designed to gain a competitive edge by leveraging organizational depth—and inflicting a small, symbolic loss on their bitter rival, the Red Sox.
This move is part of the Yankees’ larger goal of shoring up their pitching depth. Would you like the latest updates on the Yankees’ pursuit of former starter Michael King to fill a rotation spot?
