The New York Yankees have signed left-handed pitcher Chasen Shreve to a minor league contract, according to a report by Dan Martin of the New York Post. Shreve had been pitching with the Texas Rangers’ Triple-A affiliate in Round Rock on a minor league deal but chose to opt out and explore other opportunities, leading to his return to free agency after his last appearance on June 14
Turning 34 next month, Shreve brings a decade of MLB experience, debuting with the Atlanta Braves in 2014 before joining the Yankees in a trade with the Braves in the following offseason. During his tenure in New York, spanning parts of four seasons, Shreve compiled a 3.92 ERA and a 4.99 FIP over 180 relief appearances. He later moved to the St. Louis Cardinals in a trade that also involved Luke Voit in 2018.
Since departing the Yankees, Shreve has pitched for the Mets, Pirates, Tigers, Reds, and previously with the Cardinals. Over 169 innings at the MLB level, he has posted a league-average 4.26 ERA (as measured by ERA+). Last season, split between the Tigers and Reds, he recorded a 4.63 ERA and a 4.28 FIP in 50 appearances, showing a solid strikeout rate of 23.3% against a 7.3% walk rate.
During his recent stint with Texas on a minor league deal, Shreve has excelled at Triple-A, posting a dominant 1.61 ERA across 20 appearances and striking out 29.6% of batters faced over 22 1/3 innings. His strong performance there could potentially bolster the Yankees’ bullpen, which has faced challenges due to injuries and inconsistent performances.
Initially, Shreve is expected to join the Yankees’ Triple-A team, but given his recent form and the team’s bullpen needs, he may be called up to the majors in the near future. This move comes as the Yankees recently designated left-handed pitchers Clayton Andrews and Victor Gonzalez for assignment.
