Yankees Acquire Michael Siani, Kaleb Ort Designated For Assignment
The New York Yankees have made headlines with their recent acquisition of outfielder Michael Siani. The team claimed Siani off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers, who had designated him for assignment to create a roster spot for Kyle Tucker.
Key Moves in the Yankees’ Roster
As part of this transaction, the Yankees designated right-handed pitcher Kaleb Ort for assignment. This move reflects their ongoing adjustments to strengthen the roster.
Michael Siani: A Speedy Outfielder
Michael Siani, 26, is recognized for his speed and defensive skills. Over four seasons in Major League Baseball, he has played in 160 games, stealing 21 bases out of 26 attempts. His defensive versatility is evidenced by his experience in all three outfield positions, accumulating 1,014 innings on the field. He boasts a total of seven Defensive Runs Saved and 17 Outs Above Average.
Offensive Performance Overview
However, Siani’s offensive performance has room for improvement. In 383 plate appearances, he has achieved a batting line of .221/.277/.270, which corresponds to a wRC+ of 58. This statistic suggests he has underperformed 42% compared to the league average. His walk rate stands at a mere 6.3%, while his strikeout rate is 27.9%.
Minor League Experience
In the minor leagues, Siani has had a slightly better offensive performance. Over the past three seasons, he has recorded 938 plate appearances, showing a 14% walk rate and a 24% strikeout rate. His minor league batting line is .217/.329/.337, translating to a wRC+ of 77.
Yankees’ Outfield Dynamics
Siani’s role with the Yankees will depend on his ability to secure a roster spot amid competition from other players. The Yankees recently re-signed Trent Grisham and Cody Bellinger, alongside Aaron Judge, solidifying three outfield slots. Additionally, Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones are part of the mix but face challenges for playing time.
Kaleb Ort’s Status
Kaleb Ort, who turns 34 in February, had recently been claimed from the Houston Astros before being designated for assignment by the Yankees. He possesses upper 90s velocity but has struggled to find consistent success in the majors. Over the last five seasons, Ort has pitched 122 1/3 innings, yielding an average of five earned runs per nine innings, with a 23.7% strikeout rate and a 10.5% walk rate.
Looking Ahead
With the waiver process in play, the Yankees may eventually place Ort back on waivers if he does not solidify his place in the roster. As both Ort and Siani join the team, the Yankees appear to be focusing on enhancing their depth for the upcoming season while navigating their roster challenges.
