While the Yankees made waves by acquiring All-Star closer Devin Williams in a blockbuster trade with the Milwaukee Brewers, they’ve also quietly added another arm to their roster. According to multiple reports, the team has signed veteran right-hander Wilking Rodriguez to a minor league contract, which includes an invitation to spring training.
Rodriguez, who turns 35 in March, is considered a depth addition with minimal big-league experience. He previously signed a minor league deal with the Yankees in 2022 but was later selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the Rule 5 Draft. Despite limited time in Major League Baseball, Rodriguez has had a long and unconventional career, spanning nearly 12 years in various minor league systems and eight seasons in international leagues.
In 2022, Rodriguez excelled in the Venezuelan Winter League and Mexican League. Between two teams, he recorded an impressive 1.78 ERA and a stellar 13.5 strikeouts per nine innings across 50.2 innings pitched. However, his major league experience is limited to just two appearances with the Kansas City Royals in 2014, where he pitched two innings.
The Yankees appear to be taking a chance on Rodriguez, known for his ability to throw hard, despite his recent struggles with shoulder issues that have limited him to just 20 appearances since his standout 2022 campaign. While expectations remain modest, the Yankees hope Rodriguez can provide valuable depth to their bullpen as they prepare for the 2025 season.
