Yankees rumors: New York ‘checked in’ on veteran pitcher after Diamondbacks release
New York Yankees rumors tie the club to pitcher Zack Littell after the veteran cleared waivers following his release by the Diamondbacks.
The New York Yankees have expressed interest in veteran right-hander Zack Littell after the Arizona Diamondbacks released him.
Littell cleared waivers Thursday and became eligible to negotiate with any major league club. The 30-year-old recorded 124 1/3 innings across 26 appearances this season, including 14 starts. He went 8-8 with a 5.21 ERA, a 1.41 WHIP, and 73 strikeouts.
The Yankees need pitching depth after several injuries. Fernando Cruz landed on the injured list with a partial tear in his right ulnar collateral ligament, while Kervin Castro has right elbow neuritis. Ryan Weathers has a left forearm flexor strain, and Max Fried continues recovering from a left elbow bone bruise.
The New York Post Sports’ Joel Sherman noted the Yankees’ interest Thursday on X, formerly Twitter, shortly after Littell cleared waivers.
“Source: The Yankees are among teams that have at least checked in on Zack Littell, who cleared waivers today after being released earlier this week by the Diamondbacks.”
Sherman’s wording describes preliminary contact rather than an imminent signing. Littell can consider offers from New York and other clubs after clearing waivers.
The Yankees selected Justin Topa’s contract Tuesday and signed Michael Fulmer to a major league deal Wednesday while addressing openings on their pitching staff. Littell would provide another experienced option capable of working as a starter or reliever.
His 2026 results also show the risk. Littell surrendered 30 home runs while producing fewer strikeouts than innings pitched. Those numbers suggest New York would view him primarily as a source of depth and innings rather than a dependable late-inning reliever.
The Yankees did not add a reliever before the August 3 trade deadline, leaving the organization to explore available free agents as injuries accumulated. Their contact with Littell shows continued interest in adding pitching, but Sherman’s report establishes only an inquiry. For now, Littell remains an available possibility rather than a completed acquisition.
The New York Yankees have expressed interest in veteran right-hander Zack Littell after the Arizona Diamondbacks released him. Littell cleared waivers Thursday and became eligible to negotiate with any major league club. The 30-year-old recorded 124 1/3 innings across 26 appearances this season, including 14 starts.