In a move aimed at bolstering their bullpen, the New York Yankees have re-signed a pitcher who was once considered a top prospect, hoping he can rediscover the potential the team saw in him when he was originally part of their organization. Roansy Contreras, who was signed by the Yankees in 2016 as an international amateur free agent from the Dominican Republic for a $250,000 signing bonus, was just 16 years old at the time. After several years of development, he was ranked as a top prospect by 2022. However, by that point, he had been traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in a deal that brought Jameson Taillon to New York.
Contreras quickly became the Pirates’ No. 5 prospect and was ranked No. 71 by MLB.com in 2022. However, his time with Pittsburgh was underwhelming, as he posted a 4.83 ERA and a 1.418 WHIP across 182 2/3 innings over four seasons. Midway through last season, Pittsburgh traded him to the Los Angeles Angels for cash. In Anaheim, he continued to struggle, compiling a 4.33 ERA in 52 innings over 37 relief appearances, though he did earn two saves.
Now, the Yankees are giving Contreras another chance, hoping to unlock the potential they originally saw in him. He features a fastball that can reach just under 95 mph and mixes it with a slider, which he uses 25 percent of the time. Contreras also added a sweeper to his arsenal, though he threw it just 7 percent of the time in 2024.
Contreras faced a difficult winter before the Yankees picked him up. With no minor league options left, he was passed through waivers multiple times. After being DFA’d by the Angels, he was claimed by the Texas Rangers, who subsequently DFA’d him. The Cincinnati Reds claimed him next, only to DFA him shortly after, and the Baltimore Orioles did the same. The Yankees claimed him on January 12, hoping he can compete for a spot in their bullpen when spring training begins on February 11. If he doesn’t make the roster, he may face another DFA or could accept a minor league assignment in an attempt to prove himself once again.
