Yankees Claim Kaleb Ort Off Waivers to Bolster Bullpen Depth

On January 9, 2026, the New York Yankees claimed right-handed reliever Kaleb Ort off waivers from the Houston Astros. This move marks the Yankees' first external addition to their 40-man roster this offseason, as they seek to enhance their bullpen ahead of the upcoming season. Ort, who turns 34 on February 5, has a varied history in Major League Baseball (MLB), having previously played for the Boston Red Sox and the Astros.

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Kaleb Ort has spent five seasons in the MLB, with a career ERA of 5.00 over 118 games, primarily as a reliever. In the 2025 season with the Astros, Ort appeared in a career-high 49 games, posting a 4.89 ERA, striking out 49 batters while walking 27. His performance included a notable 41.4% groundball rate, and he limited right-handed hitters to a .188 batting average. Prior to his time with the Astros, Ort pitched for the Red Sox from 2021 to 2023, where he struggled with a 6.27 ERA over 47 games.

The Record (New Jersey)New York PostThe Sporting NewsThe Republican (Masslive.com)NJ.comYankees Claim Former Red Sox Reliever Off Waivers From Fellow AL TeamYankees acquire former Red Sox reliever Boston couldn't wait to get rid ofYankees claim discarded Astros reliever and it feels deliberately pettyKaleb Ort Claimed by Yankees - MLB NewsSports Illustrated

Ort's journey to the Yankees has been unconventional. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2016, he was released shortly after and later joined the Yankees' minor league system. He was selected by the Red Sox in the 2020 Rule 5 Draft, marking his first major league appearance in 2021.

The Record (New Jersey)

The Yankees' decision to claim Ort was influenced by their need for bullpen depth following the departures of several key relievers, including Devin Williams and Luke Weaver, who signed with the New York Mets. Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake has a reputation for developing underperforming pitchers, which may bode well for Ort's potential in New York.

The Record (New Jersey)

Some analysts have questioned the rationale behind the Yankees' acquisition of Ort, citing his inconsistent performance and high walk rate. Critics argue that Ort's numbers, including a 5.03 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) and a 14% walk rate in 2025, do not justify the claim. Additionally, there are speculations that this move may be a strategic play against the Astros, as it prevents them from assigning Ort to their minor league system.

Yankees claim discarded Astros reliever and it feels deliberately petty

As the Yankees prepare for spring training, Ort will compete for a spot in the bullpen. The team is still actively seeking additional pitching depth, both in the starting rotation and the bullpen, potentially through trades. With the offseason still ongoing, the Yankees remain focused on making further roster improvements.

The Sporting News

• “Source: RHP Kaleb Ort has been claimed off waivers by the #Yankees,” — New York Yankees Official Account

Yankees Claim Former Red Sox Reliever Off Waivers From Fellow AL Team

• “Astros fans know how deep their rivalry with the Yankees goes, and this just feels like one of those moves meant to ruffle some feathers in the front office.” — Climbing Tal's Hill Analysis

Yankees claim discarded Astros reliever and it feels deliberately petty

The Yankees' acquisition of Kaleb Ort reflects their ongoing efforts to strengthen their roster while navigating a competitive offseason landscape.

Yankees claim discarded Astros reliever and it feels deliberately petty