Yankees Acquire Angel Chivilli From Rockies in Trade

This article breaks down a low-profile but intriguing trade between the New York Yankees and Colorado Rockies. It’s a move that could actually matter for both teams.

By swapping a hard-throwing young reliever for a productive Triple-A first baseman, each team addressed a specific organizational need. They’re both betting on development, opportunity, and some roster flexibility here.

Yankees Acquire Power Arm, Rockies Add Needed Bat

The Yankees and Rockies completed a one-for-one trade. New York picked up right-handed reliever Angel Chivilli, while Colorado got minor-league first baseman T.J. Rumfield.

To make room for Chivilli on the 40-man roster, the Yankees designated outfielder Michael Siani for assignment.

At first glance, the deal looks minor. But it actually shows how both franchises are thinking right now.

The Yankees want controllable pitching with upside. The Rockies need some offensive stability, especially at first base.

Angel Chivilli: Electric Stuff, Incomplete Results

Chivilli is just 23 and brings the kind of raw velocity the Yankees love. In 2025, he averaged 97.1 mph on his four-seam fastball, which puts him among the league’s harder throwers.

His swing-and-miss numbers are just as flashy.

Why the Yankees Are Intrigued

Chivilli’s arsenal suggests real upside if he can refine it. His secondary pitches can miss bats at a high level.

Those numbers point to a pitcher who could thrive in shorter, high-leverage stints. It all hinges on improving his command.

The Red Flags Holding Him Back

For all that raw stuff, Chivilli hasn’t turned potential into consistent MLB success. His 17.4% career strikeout rate is oddly low for someone with his velocity.

He often falls behind in counts, and a below-average first-pitch strike rate puts him in tough spots. Home runs have been a problem too.

In his partial major-league seasons, Chivilli allowed 1.99 HR/9, with rough results at altitude. His ERA split is telling: 7.06 at Coors Field and 5.03 on the road.

The Yankees hope a new environment, better defense, and some mechanical tweaks can help unlock more of what Chivilli does well.

Roster Flexibility Favors New York

This trade gives the Yankees some flexibility. Chivilli is under team control for at least five more seasons and still has a minor-league option left.

That means New York can stash him in Triple-A, work on his command, and call him up when he’s ready.

T.J. Rumfield Gets His Opportunity in Colorado

From the Rockies’ perspective, Rumfield brings a much-needed offensive boost. The 25-year-old lefty has quietly been one of the Yankees’ more steady minor-league bats.

Steady Production, Limited Opportunity

In 2025 at Triple-A Scranton, Rumfield slashed .285/.378/.447 with 16 home runs. That basically mirrors his strong 2024 numbers.

Even with those stats, the Yankees left him off their 40-man roster, and he went unselected in the Rule 5 Draft. Baseball America still ranked him as the organization’s No. 30 prospect this winter.

A Clear Path to Playing Time

Colorado offers something New York just couldn’t: opportunity. Rockies first basemen put up an MLB-worst .211/.268/.372 line in 2025, which landed them at a 62 wRC+.

Rumfield actually has a real shot now to either take over or at least split time with guys like Troy Johnston and the always-injured Kris Bryant.

The Yankees pick up a power arm to work on, while the Rockies hope they’ve finally found a bat to steady first base.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Rockies Trade Angel Chivilli To Yankees