Yankees Add Outfielder Michael Siani, DFA Reliever Kaleb Ort

The New York Yankees keep tweaking their roster as they gear up for the long season ahead. In their latest move, they claimed outfielder Michael Siani off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers and designated veteran right-hander Kaleb Ort for assignment.

This reflects the Yankees’ ongoing effort to balance defense, speed, and flexibility. They’re always thinking about both immediate needs and the bigger picture.

Yankees Add Michael Siani for Defense and Speed

Michael Siani, 26, fits the mold of a glove-first outfielder who can really move. The Yankees have leaned into athleticism and versatility lately, and Siani brings both, having played all three outfield spots in the majors.

A Proven Defensive Specialist

Siani’s defense stands out. Over 1,014 big-league innings in the outfield, he’s posted 7 Defensive Runs Saved and a strong 17 Outs Above Average.

Those numbers show off his range and instincts—qualities that play well in Yankee Stadium’s big outfield, especially late in games. Speed is another big part of his game, too.

Siani has swiped 21 bases in 26 tries over 160 MLB games. That gives the Yankees a possible pinch-runner and some real bench value, especially for a team that sometimes lacks speed.

Offensive Limitations Remain a Concern

But while Siani’s glove and legs are clear assets, his bat hasn’t caught up. Offense is still the big question as he joins another new team.

Struggles at the Plate

In 383 MLB plate appearances, Siani has a .221/.277/.270 slash line and a 58 wRC+. His approach at the plate hasn’t been consistent, with a 27.9% strikeout rate and just a 6.3% walk rate.

Pitchers seem to have figured him out, keeping him off base too often. In the minors, he’s shown only slight improvement—batting .217/.329/.337 with a 77 wRC+ over the last three years. The plate discipline is a bit better, but overall, the offense is still below average.

A Journeyman Path Through Waivers

Siani’s recent journey says a lot about his spot on the fringe of big-league rosters. He finished the 2025 season with the St. Louis Cardinals, then got claimed by Atlanta, Los Angeles, and now New York.

Depth Rather Than a Guaranteed Role

If Siani clears waivers again, the Yankees could keep him as non-roster depth. That would let them stash a strong defender and runner at Triple-A, ready to call up if needed.

How Siani Fits the Yankees’ Outfield Picture

The current outfield setup doesn’t leave many at-bats up for grabs, but there’s still room for the right complementary piece.

Current and Future Considerations

The projected outfield includes:

With Giancarlo Stanton locked in at DH, playing time is already tight. Top prospects Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones bring both excitement and uncertainty.

Both have minor-league options left and have popped up in trade rumors, while Grisham hits free agency after 2026. All of that makes a player like Siani—limited bat and all—worth a look as depth.

Kaleb Ort Designated for Assignment

To make room for Siani, the Yankees designated right-hander Kaleb Ort for assignment. It’s a move that’s more about roster management than anything else.

A Numbers Game on the Pitching Side

Ort turns 34 in February and was claimed from the Astros earlier this month. He’s pitched in the majors for five seasons, giving up five earned runs per nine innings over 122 1/3 innings.

He’s got a 23.7% strikeout rate and a 10.5% walk rate. The Yankees can’t send him to the minors, since Ort is out of options, which really ties their hands a bit.

Now that they’ve designated him, I’d guess the Yankees hope Ort slips through waivers. If he does, they could stash him for depth without using a 40-man roster spot.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Yankees Claim Michael Siani, Designate Kaleb Ort For Assignment