**EXCLUSIVELY: New York Yankees Add Pitching Depth in Claim of Former Top-100 Prospect Roansy Contreras**
In a move signaling their commitment to bolster pitching depth for the upcoming season, the New York Yankees have claimed former top-100 prospect Roansy Contreras off waivers. This acquisition offers the Yankees a potential high-reward arm to add to their rotation mix and further enhances their growing pitching depth, which has been a key focus for the organization in recent years.
### **A Change of Scenery for Contreras**
Contreras, 24, was once considered one of the top pitching prospects in baseball, earning a spot on MLB Pipeline’s prestigious Top 100 list just a few years ago. However, his development in the major leagues has been a mix of promise and inconsistency, which ultimately led to the Pittsburgh Pirates designating him for assignment. This allowed the Yankees to swoop in and claim the right-hander, marking a fresh start for Contreras as he enters a new chapter with a competitive team.
Contreras’ move to the Yankees comes at a time when the club is looking to replenish its pitching staff after facing several injuries and underperforming outings in the rotation. The Yankees have long been known for their developmental approach to pitchers, and Contreras fits into this mold as a project with immense potential. He will join a crowded pitching staff that includes stars like Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and others, but Contreras’ addition gives the Yankees additional flexibility and depth in the event of injuries or struggles throughout the season.
### **Contreras’ Background and Upside**
Contreras was originally signed by the Chicago White Sox out of the Dominican Republic in 2014 before being traded to the Pirates in 2018 as part of the deal that sent infielder Ivan Nova to Chicago. The trade raised some eyebrows, as Contreras was already garnering attention as a high-upside arm with the potential to be a future frontline starter.
He made his major league debut for the Pirates in 2021, and although his time in Pittsburgh has been relatively brief, Contreras has shown flashes of brilliance. His fastball, which can reach the upper 90s, combined with a solid slider and a developing changeup, gives him a high-ceiling profile. When everything is clicking, Contreras can be an overpowering presence on the mound, capable of dominating hitters with his raw stuff.
In 2022, Contreras looked like he was on the verge of breaking out, posting a solid 3.79 ERA across 15 starts, including some outings where his potential was on full display. However, consistency has been an issue. His 2023 season saw a decline in performance as he struggled to control his pitches, leading to a 5.65 ERA and an eventual demotion to Triple-A. While his fastball velocity remained intact, Contreras battled with command and the ability to consistently execute his secondary pitches.
Still, the potential is undeniable. Contreras’ raw stuff remains tantalizing, and many scouts still view him as a work in progress with significant upside. His ability to miss bats, especially with his fastball and slider, gives him a lot of room for development, and a change of scenery with the Yankees could be the catalyst for a breakthrough.
### **Why the Yankees Are Interested**
The Yankees’ pitching staff has been a story of high expectations mixed with inconsistent results over the last few seasons. The club has invested heavily in the rotation, bringing in high-profile pitchers like Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón, but injuries and underperformance have continued to plague the staff. The team’s pitching depth has been tested time and again, which is why adding a potential high-upside arm like Contreras makes sense.
Contreras’ skillset could complement the Yankees’ existing pitching mix. He can work as a long reliever, a spot starter, or even as a high-leverage bullpen piece, providing the team with the flexibility to utilize him in various roles. This versatility makes Contreras an appealing asset as the Yankees try to ensure they have enough depth to handle a grueling 162-game season.
In addition, the Yankees have shown a knack for developing pitchers with inconsistent or unrefined mechanics. The team’s pitching coach, Matt Blake, has gained a reputation for turning raw talents into polished major league arms. Contreras’ struggles with command and consistency may be a challenge, but Blake and the Yankees’ coaching staff will have the opportunity to help him refine his mechanics and unlock his full potential.
### **A Potential Steal for the Yankees**
While Contreras’ time in Pittsburgh didn’t go according to plan, the Yankees are hoping that a fresh environment, coupled with their extensive development resources, will help him tap into the promise he showed as a prospect. If he can refine his control and consistently harness his electric stuff, Contreras could be a real difference-maker for the Yankees.
The Yankees are no strangers to taking risks on players with high upside, and Contreras fits the profile of a low-risk, high-reward investment. Even if he doesn’t crack the starting rotation right away, the team could use him as a bullpen piece or in a depth role. If Contreras regains his form from earlier in his career, he could prove to be a significant contributor to the team’s pitching staff moving forward.
Ultimately, this acquisition is one of many small but impactful moves the Yankees have made in recent years to ensure their pitching depth remains a strength. With Roansy Contreras now in the fold, the Yankees have added another potentially valuable piece to their rotation puzzle, making them even more formidable heading into the 2024 season.