The Yankees brought back Amed Rosario on a one-year, $2.5 million deal, giving them a right-handed bat who can handle lefty pitching.
Jack Curry of YES broke the news a few days after the Winter Meetings wrapped up. As he put it: “Smart bench addition. The Yankees need some RH bats. Rosario crushes lefties and has versatility.”
It’s exactly the type of move you’d expect from this Yankees front office – practical and budget-friendly while addressing a real need.
Rosario spent the final stretch of 2025 in pinstripes after they picked him up late in the season. He didn’t get much playing time – just 16 games – but made them count. Hit **.303 with a .788 OPS** during the regular season, then managed a .300 average across four postseason games.
The nine-year veteran brings something this lefty-heavy Yankees lineup has been missing. He’s always hit left-handed pitching well, and that’s valuable when you’re looking at guys like Anthony Rizzo and Alex Verdugo struggling against southpaws.
Rosario’s had quite the journey around the league. Started his career with the Mets, then bounced through Cleveland, the Dodgers, Guardians, and Rays before landing with the Yankees. That kind of experience doesn’t hurt when you’re filling a bench role.
What makes this signing work is the versatility Curry mentioned. Rosario can play multiple infield spots, giving Aaron Boone options when he needs to make late-game moves or spell his regulars.
At $2.5 million, it’s the kind of deal that won’t affect their pursuit of bigger names. Jon Heyman of The New York Post confirmed the contract details, and it’s clear the Yankees aren’t done spending this winter.
But sometimes the smaller moves matter just as much. Having a guy who can come off the bench and give you quality at-bats against lefties? That’s the kind of depth that shows up in October.
The Yankees know they need to get better against left-handed pitching, and while Rosario isn’t going to solve that problem entirely, he’s a step in the right direction. Smart, affordable, and exactly what you want from a bench piece.
