Yankees Offseason Update: Minor Moves Continue as Caleb Ferguson Heads to Cincinnati
While the Yankees’ front office has yet to make a headline-grabbing move this offseason, the wheels are still turning-just not where fans might hope. With big-name free agents still waiting for their next destination, the Yankees' activity has largely been under the radar. But there's still movement worth tracking, especially for those keeping tabs on former Bronx Bombers.
One of those names is left-hander Caleb Ferguson, who just signed a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Reds. Ferguson’s time in pinstripes was brief and, frankly, forgettable.
Acquired from the Dodgers ahead of the 2024 season in a trade that sent Matt Gage and Christian Zazueta to Los Angeles, Ferguson was meant to bolster a bullpen that needed help. Instead, he struggled to find consistency, posting a 5.13 ERA and 1.50 WHIP across 42 appearances.
By the trade deadline, the Yankees had seen enough, flipping Ferguson to the Astros in a midseason deal. His journey didn’t stop there-he spent 2025 with both the Pirates and Mariners, landing in Seattle as the AL West champs geared up for a postseason push.
But the playoffs weren’t kind to him. Ferguson got roughed up in October, and the Mariners’ run ended in Game 7 of the ALCS.
Now, the Reds are hoping to tap into the potential that made Ferguson a reliable bullpen piece earlier in his career. Cincinnati needed a lefty arm, and Ferguson fits the bill. Whether he can provide stability is another question entirely.
Yankees Continue Adding Depth with Trio of Minor League Signings
Back in the Bronx, the Yankees have been busy making quieter moves-adding depth pieces to the organization, particularly at the minor league level. These aren't the kind of transactions that make headlines, but they’re the type that fill out Triple-A rosters and occasionally produce surprise contributors.
This week, three more names were added to the Yankees’ offseason ledger:
- 3B Zack Short
- RHP Travis MacGregor
- RHP Chase Chaney
Short is the most familiar name in the group. A New York native from Kingston, Short has bounced around the league since 2021, spending time with the Tigers, Mets, Red Sox, Braves, and most recently, the Astros.
He’s primarily been a Triple-A presence, valued for his glove and versatility on the infield. With the Yankees still trying to solve their third base puzzle-and reportedly planning to platoon Ryan McMahon-Short could find himself in the mix if injuries or inconsistency strike.
As for the arms, MacGregor and Chaney are more about organizational depth than immediate impact.
MacGregor, a former second-round pick by the Pirates in 2016, has yet to make his MLB debut. Last season, he pitched at Double-A for both the Rangers and Brewers, finishing with a 4.94 ERA and 1.51 WHIP. At this point, he’s a project, but the Yankees clearly see something worth exploring.
Chaney, meanwhile, comes from the Twins’ system, where he put together a solid 2025 campaign. He logged 119 1/3 innings between High-A and Double-A, posting a 3.77 ERA and 1.32 WHIP across 26 games (21 starts). He’s a bit further along in development and could be a candidate for Triple-A innings next season.
What It All Means for the Yankees
These moves won’t move the needle for fans eager for a blockbuster, but they do reflect a front office continuing to build out depth-something that’s often overlooked until injuries or underperformance hit.
Still, with the Yankees' 2026 aspirations hinging on more than just minor league reinforcements, the clock is ticking. The fanbase is waiting for that signature move-one that signals a real push toward contention. Until then, it’s more about roster maintenance than momentum.