The New York Yankees have reunited with former top prospect, hoping he can rediscover the potential he showed during his early years in their organization. He originally joined the Yankees in 2016 as a 16-year-old international amateur free agent from the Dominican Republic, signing for a $250,000 bonus.
Though it took time for the right-hander to develop, he was ranked as a top prospect by 2022. By that point, however, the Yankees had traded him to the Pittsburgh Pirates in a deal that brought Jameson Taillon to New York. Taillon, himself a former top prospect, was Pittsburgh’s first-round pick and the No. 2 overall selection in the 2010 MLB Draft. Upon joining the Pirates, Contreras quickly became their No. 5 prospect and was ranked the No. 71 overall prospect in baseball by MLB.com.
Despite his early promise, Contreras struggled to find consistent success with the Pirates, recording a 4.83 ERA and 1.418 WHIP over 182 2/3 innings across parts of four seasons. Midway through the 2023 season, Pittsburgh traded him to the Los Angeles Angels for cash considerations. While with the Angels, Contreras primarily pitched in relief, compiling a 4.33 ERA over 52 innings in 37 games and earning two saves.
The Yankees appear optimistic that a return to their organization could help Contreras regain his form and provide valuable depth to their bullpen.
The Yankees are taking another chance on Roansy Contreras, aiming to unlock the potential he showed earlier in his career. Contreras features a fastball that reaches just under 95 mph, complemented by a slider that he uses 25% of the time, according to Statcast. He also recently introduced a sweeper to his repertoire, though it accounted for only 7% of his pitches in 2024.
This offseason has been challenging for the 25-year-old pitcher, who no longer has minor league options. Teams must decide whether to keep him on their 40-man roster or release him, and Contreras has bounced between organizations. After the Angels designated him for assignment (DFA) following the season, the Texas Rangers claimed him on October 31 but DFA’d him on December 13. The Cincinnati Reds claimed him six days later, only to DFA him again on January 6. The Baltimore Orioles picked him up on January 10, but six days later, they also DFA’d him. Finally, the Yankees claimed him on January 18.
With Yankees pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training on February 11, Contreras is expected to have an opportunity to compete for a bullpen spot. If he doesn’t make the cut, he could face another DFA and waiver process. Should he clear waivers this time, Contreras might opt for a minor league assignment with the Yankees to prove himself once again.