Yanks claim righty Ort off waivers from Astros
This browser does not support the video element.
NEW YORK -- The Yankees added an experienced bullpen arm on Friday, claiming right-hander Kaleb Ort off waivers from the Astros.
Ort, 33, made 49 appearances for Houston last season, going 2-2 with one save and a 4.89 ERA. He registered career highs in games, innings (46) and strikeouts (49). The Astros designated Ort for assignment on Jan. 2.
New York’s bullpen will look considerably different in 2026 than it did on Opening Day a year ago. David Bednar and Camilo Doval were acquired in Trade Deadline deals and will serve as the closer and the setup man, respectively.
Fernando Cruz, Brent Headrick, Tim Hill, Ryan Yarbrough and Paul Blackburn are among the returning relief choices. The Yanks also saw Devin Williams and Luke Weaver depart in free agency, both signing across town with the Mets.
Ort was especially effective against right-handed batters last season, holding them to a .188/.311/.317 (19-for-101) slash line. Lefties fared better, knocking Ort for a .254/.342/.524 (16-for-63) mark.
Over parts of five Major League seasons with the Red Sox (2021-23) and Houston (2024-25), Ort owns a 5-7 record with two saves and a 5.00 ERA in 118 games. Originally signed by the Diamondbacks as a non-drafted free agent in 2016, Ort was in the Yankees’ Minor League system from 2017-19.