Yankees Release Triple-A Star Cooper Hummel After Injury-Plagued Stint
The Yankees have released utility man Cooper Hummel, who triggered his release clause a few days ago according to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic.
Hummel, 30, signed a minor league deal with the Yankees in April but played just 10 games around an IL stint. It’s another chapter in what’s been a frustrating career for a player who’s dominated Triple-A but hasn’t been able to translate that success to the majors.
The switch-hitter has posted an impressive .894 OPS in his Triple-A career. In 340 games at the highest minor league level, he’s batted .284/.419/.475 with 83 doubles, 16 triples, 36 homers and 49 steals. Those are numbers that typically earn players extended big league opportunities.
But Hummel’s major league results tell a different story. He debuted with the Diamondbacks in 2022, hitting eight doubles, three triples and three home runs but batting just .176. He went 2-for-23 in a brief stint with the Mariners in 2023 and 0-for-8 with the Astros earlier this season.
The Portland, Oregon native has taken a winding path through professional baseball. After attending the University of Portland, he was selected by the Brewers in the 18th round of the 2018 draft but never reached the majors with Milwaukee.
What makes Hummel’s case particularly challenging is his defensive profile. He hasn’t caught since 2023 and has spent most of his time in corner outfield spots, limiting his versatility. That’s where injuries and aging have taken their toll.
At this point, Hummel finds himself in baseball limbo – too good for Triple-A but without enough big league success to secure a permanent roster spot. He’s gone from off the college radar to possessing elite baseball talent, just not quite enough to stick at the highest level.
He’ll now hit the free agent market looking for his next opportunity, likely hoping for an organization that might give him the extended look in the majors that has eluded him so far.
