The New York Yankees have claimed outfielder Michael Siani off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers. This move follows Los Angeles designating Siani for assignment earlier this week to create a roster spot for Kyle Tucker. In a corresponding transaction, the Yankees designated right-hander Kaleb Ort for assignment.
Siani, 26, is primarily known for his speed and defensive capabilities in the outfield. Over 160 big league games across the past four seasons, he has recorded 21 stolen bases in 26 attempts. He has played 1,014 innings across all three outfield positions, accumulating seven Defensive Runs Saved and 17 Outs Above Average. His offensive performance has been less robust, with a .221/.277/.270 line and a 58 wRC+ in 383 big league plate appearances. In the minors, he has a .217/.329/.337 line with a 77 wRC+ over 938 plate appearances in the last three years.
Siani has been subject to multiple waiver claims this offseason, moving from the Cardinals to Atlanta, then the Dodgers, and now the Yankees. He has an option remaining, allowing the Yankees to potentially send him to Triple-A while maintaining his 40-man roster spot. His role with the team will depend on the overall outfield roster composition, which includes re-signed players Trent Grisham and Cody Bellinger, alongside Aaron Judge and designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton. Prospects Jasson DomÃnguez and Spencer Jones are also part of the outfield mix.
Kaleb Ort, who will turn 34 in February, was recently claimed off waivers by the Yankees from the Houston Astros a few weeks prior. He possesses high-velocity pitching but has a career ERA of 5.00 over 122 1/3 innings across five seasons. His strikeout rate is 23.7%, but he has also walked 10.5% of batters faced. Ort is out of options, which typically makes his roster spot tenuous.