Yankees Add Bullpen Depth, Claim Kaleb Ort From Houston

The Yankees have made a move, adding right-handed reliever Kaleb Ort to their bullpen competition.

Ort, who last threw for the Astros, is set to join the Yankees with a lot on the line. Let’s cut to the chase, this offseason hasn’t exactly been a flurry of activity for us. The Yankees capitalized on their 40-man roster flexibility by scooping up Ort off waivers. With his MLB experience, Ort becomes the first external addition to the roster this winter, aside from Rule 5 draft pick Cade Winquest. Ort’s addition is a calculated move worth unpacking.

So, what’s the deal with Kaleb Ort? At 33, he’s no greenhorn in the league, having posted a 4.89 ERA over 49 appearances for the Astros last season. He’s got a decent arm, evident from his 49 strikeouts in 46 innings, though the 27 walks tell a story of inconsistency. But here’s where it gets interesting—his underlying numbers whisper a tale of potential. Ort’s expected ERA sat at 3.41, with an expected batting average against at a mere .188. These numbers hint at more than just stats; they indicate untapped potential that could thrive in the Bronx.

Earlier today, the Yankees claimed RHP Kaleb Ort off waivers from the Houston Astros.

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) January 9, 2026

Digging Beneath the Surface

Ort’s journey from Boston to Houston and now to New York hasn’t been without its ups and downs. Two seasons ago, he shone brighter, boasting a 2.55 ERA over 22 games. His fastball, clocking at an average of 96.4 mph last season, was no joke, landing him in the 83rd percentile for velocity. The man throws heat, and in 2024, that fastball zipped at 97.5 mph. Plus, his arsenal includes a sweeper, a cutter, and a changeup, giving him versatility on the mound. The key here is consistency. If Ort finds his groove, Yankee Stadium might just witness some electric performances.

Ort is known to draw swings and misses, his strikeout potential is real. But as with any reliever, the issue of command can’t be ignored. The 2025 season highlighted this duality—moments of brilliance overshadowed by control issues. Yankee fans, we’ve seen this movie before; a hard-throwing reliever with promise and a penchant for walks. Now, it’s up to Ort, and ultimately the coaching staff, to refine his approach.

Competing for the Bullpen

The bullpen competition just got more interesting. Ort joins a crowded field vying for limited spots come spring. Competition is fierce, and his past experience might give him a leg up. Mix in the likes of Rule 5 draft pick Cade Winquest, and it’s clear the Yankees are experimenting. The jury’s still out on how this mix of veteran savvy and young talent will gel. Yet, this shake-up might be the spark needed for a bullpen that struggled to find its footing last season.

Ort’s addition isn’t just about filling a spot. It’s about shaking up a complacent bullpen culture. If Ort can harness his strengths while minimizing his weaknesses, he might just carve out a crucial role. But if not, he’ll be fighting an uphill battle.

Crunching the Numbers

Why are we betting on Ort? Simple. Numbers sometimes don’t convey the whole story. Sure, the surface stats reflect a middling season, but the deeper metrics paint a different picture. Expectation versus reality—Ort’s 2025 season is a case study. Expected ERA suggests he’s been unlucky or in the wrong system. If there’s one thing we know, it’s that a change of scenery can revitalize a player’s career. Here’s hoping the Bronx is that place for Ort.

Remember that 2.55 ERA season? It wasn’t a fluke. Ort’s velocity and pitch variety can make him a weapon in our bullpen. The challenge for Yankee management is unlocking that form consistently. The expectation is high, but the potential payout is higher.

The Ort Experiment: Will It Pay Off?

Welcome to the Kaleb Ort experiment. The Yankees’ first real move this offseason isn’t exactly earth-shattering. It’s more of a whisper than a roar. Ort is not the kind of headline-grabbing acquisition we expected, but let’s not dismiss him yet. This could be the classic low-risk, high-reward story. And boy, do we need some form of magic in the bullpen. Let’s cross our fingers and hope Ort has a little of that left in his arm. Because with those 49 strikeouts in 46 innings last season, he shows promise.

No Blockbuster, But Not a Bust Either

Ort’s addition tells us one thing: we are not completely asleep at the wheel. The Yankees have been far too quiet in the offseason, and Ort’s signing is like a wake-up call, if a rather timid one. His 4.89 ERA with the Astros last season is not the stuff of dreams, but we’ve seen flashes of brilliance. Back in 2024, he demonstrated what he could really do with a 2.55 ERA. Yankees fans can only hope that version of Ort shows up in pinstripes.

The numbers don’t lie. Ort posted an expected ERA of 3.41 last year. That’s right, 3.41. It’s like his raw potential is teasing us from the stat sheet. If he can get his act together and reduce those pesky walks, maybe, just maybe, we’ve got something. The Yankees’ bullpen needs all the help it can get. Left hand, right hand, pigeon-toed—whatever gets the outs.

With Ort, the Yankees are banking on his underlying numbers translating into something substantial on the mound.