Yankees get LHP Ferguson in trade with Dodgers

February 5th, 2024

NEW YORK -- The Yankees swung another trade to bolster their bullpen on Monday, acquiring left-hander from the Dodgers in exchange for lefty and right-hander Christian Zazueta.

It is the second swap of the offseason between the Yankees and Dodgers, following a Dec. 11 deal that brought left-hander Victor Gonzalez to New York.

Ferguson, 27, posted a 7-4 record with three saves and a 3.43 ERA in 68 appearances (seven starts) for Los Angeles in 2023. In 60 1/3 innings, Ferguson permitted 30 runs (23 earned) and 64 hits, with 23 walks and 70 strikeouts.

Over parts of five big league seasons with the Dodgers dating back to 2018, Ferguson has compiled a 3.43 ERA over 201 career games (14 starts). He is eligible for free agency after the '24 season.

The deal for Ferguson cleared a roster spot for the Dodgers to re-sign reliever Ryan Brasier, following the Yanks’ reported interest in several bullpen options who landed elsewhere. That group included Josh Hader (Astros), Hector Neris (Cubs), Wandy Peralta (Padres), Keynan Middleton (Cardinals) and Phil Maton (Rays).

Among National League left-handed relievers last season, Ferguson ranked sixth in home runs allowed per nine innings (0.50) and ground-ball percentage (50.7%).

Ferguson and Gonzalez project to be the left-handed choices in the Bombers’ bullpen, which figures to lean heavily upon righties Clay Holmes, Jonathan Loáisiga and Tommy Kahnle.

Gage, 30, had been claimed by the Yankees from the Astros on Jan. 29. He made five relief appearances for Houston last season, spending most of the year at Triple-A Sugar Land, where he had a 1-1 record with a 4.58 ERA in 34 relief appearances.

Zazueta, 19, was 3-2 with a 3.29 ERA in 12 starts for the Dominican Summer League Yankees last season. Over his first two professional seasons (2022-23) since being signed as a non-drafted free agent out of Mexico, Zazueta has gone 3-5 with a 4.54 ERA in 20 starts.

In an additional transaction on Monday, the Phillies claimed infielder/outfielder Diego Castillo off waivers from the Yankees.