Yankees Add Durbin and Rodriguez to 40-Man Roster, Coleman Returned

The New York Yankees have bolstered their 40-man roster by selecting infielder Caleb Durbin and catcher/infielder/outfielder Jesus Rodriguez, protecting them from the upcoming Rule 5 draft. Additionally, the Yankees have announced the return of right-hander Carson Coleman from the Texas Rangers. With these changes, the Yankees' roster now stands at 39 players.

Caleb Durbin, who will turn 25 in February, joined the Yankees from the Atlanta Braves in a December 2022 trade involving Lucas Luetge. Since then, Durbin has demonstrated strong performance across multiple minor league levels. Over 697 plate appearances, he has maintained a .287/.391/.440 batting line, with an 11.3% walk rate and an impressive 8.3% strikeout rate. Durbin's offensive consistency and his ability to steal 67 bases in 79 attempts have made him a valuable asset. His versatility allows him to cover all three infield positions, excluding first base, and also play in the outfield.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone has high expectations for Durbin, indicating that he could play a significant role in the upcoming season. With Gleyber Torres entering free agency, the second base position is open, and Durbin could either secure a regular spot, serve as a utility player, or provide depth from the minors.

Jesus Rodriguez, 22, is further from making his major league debut but has shown great promise in the minors. With 1,168 plate appearances, Rodriguez has posted a .311/.397/.477 line, achieving a 143 wRC+ by striking out just 14.3% of the time while walking at a robust 11.6% rate. Rodriguez's versatility extends beyond catching, as he has also played left field and various infield positions. Although he needs more seasoning in the minors, his potential warranted protection from the Rule 5 draft.

Carson Coleman returns to the Yankees after being selected by the Rangers in the 2023 Rule 5 draft. Coleman spent all of the 2024 season on the injured list following Tommy John surgery. The Rangers, unable to activate him, decided to return him, avoiding the Rule 5 restrictions for the upcoming season. The Yankees now have the flexibility to reintegrate Coleman without the immediate need for a 40-man roster spot.

​These roster moves underline the Yankees' strategy to safeguard their emerging talents while preparing for the future. As Durbin and Rodriguez continue their development, fans can anticipate their potential contributions to the major league team.