Yankees Re-Sign Wilking Rodríguez to Minor League Deal

The New York Yankees have made a notable addition to their pitching depth by signing right-hander Wilking Rodríguez to a minor league contract, as reported by Aram Leighton of Just Baseball. The deal is expected to include an invitation to the Yankees' big league spring training.

Rodríguez's journey back to the Yankees is an interesting one. Initially signed to a minor league deal by the Yankees in August 2022, Rodríguez had been showcasing his skills with Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos in the Mexican League. During that year, he posted an impressive 2.01 ERA over 44 2/3 innings, striking out 43.2% of batters faced and maintaining a walk rate of just 7.7%.

Rodríguez's strong performance caught the attention of not only the Yankees but also the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals selected Rodríguez in the 2022 Rule 5 draft, an unusual move considering he was entering his age-33 season. Typically, Rule 5 picks are younger players still seeking their major league debuts. Rodríguez had briefly appeared in the majors back in 2014 with the Kansas City Royals before spending years away from affiliated ball.

Unfortunately, the gamble did not pay off for the Cardinals. Rodríguez required shoulder surgery and spent the entire 2023 season on the injured list. Following the season, he was outrighted off the roster but re-signed with the Cardinals on a minor league deal. Injuries continued to plague him in 2024, limiting him to just 13 appearances.

Now back with the Yankees, Rodríguez will be looking to prove his worth and earn a spot on the major league roster. His past performance in the Mexican League suggests he has the potential to be a valuable asset if he can stay healthy and regain his form. The Yankees are hopeful that his experience and skill set will add depth to their bullpen options as they prepare for the upcoming season.