Yankees sign former Mets prospect as sluggish offseason continues. On the day of the All-MLB awards? Seriously, Yankees? Just kidding — at this point, we’ll take any addition, especially with Scott Boras and Juan Soto dominating the free agent market.
New York has made a few minor moves so far and will likely keep at it until bigger signings become possible. Brian Cashman and the front office are diligently searching for hidden pitching talent.
On Thursday, the Yankees signed right-hander Jordany Ventura, a former Mets prospect, to a minor-league contract. Ventura was released by the Mets after injuries hampered his performance.
The Yankees are known for taking risks on players like Ventura, who showed promise in 2024 after moving to a relief role. With a fastball reaching 96 MPH, Ventura struck out 55 batters over 48 2/3 innings.
One of his standout attributes is limiting contact — particularly hard contact — a weakness of the Yankees’ bullpen last season. His 6.9 H/9 and 0.5 HR/9 are noteworthy.
Ventura began his professional career in 2018 as an international free agent with the Mets but never found his footing. After 15 games in 2019, the pandemic wiped out his 2020 season. Tommy John surgery sidelined him for 2021 and restricted him to just four starts in 2022.
Jordany Ventura
Over his career, he’s appeared in 69 games, with only five at Double-A — the highest level he’s reached. At 24, Ventura has significant ground to cover to become a potential 40-man roster candidate, but his promising 2024 finish could give him an edge.
And if the Mets want to poach one of the Yankees’ pitching coaches, so be it. Matt Blake runs the show in the Bronx, and it would be poetic if he could unlock Ventura’s potential where the Mets could not.
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