The New York Yankees agreed to one-year contracts with infielder/outfielder Oswaldo Cabrera and right-hander Clarke Schmidt on Friday, avoiding arbitration. The team also non-tendered five pitchers ahead of the deadline, making them free agents. This move clears roster spots as the Yankees continue their offseason planning.
On Friday, the New York Yankees finalized one-year deals with two arbitration-eligible players, securing infielder/outfielder Oswaldo Cabrera at $1.2 million and right-hander Clarke Schmidt at $4.5 million for the 2026 season. Cabrera, 26, is recovering from a season-ending left ankle fracture sustained on May 12 and is expected to be ready for Spring Training. In 34 games last year, he hit .243 with one homer and 11 RBIs.
Schmidt, 29, is rehabilitating from Tommy John surgery performed in July and plans to return in the second half of 2026. He went 4-4 with a 3.32 ERA in 14 starts during the 2024 campaign.
In a corresponding move, the Yankees non-tendered five right-handers: Mark Leiter Jr., Michael Arias, Jake Cousins, Scott Effross, and Ian Hamilton, all of whom become immediate free agents. Leiter Jr., 34, appeared in 59 relief outings with a 6-7 record, two saves, and a 4.84 ERA. Acquired from the Chicago Cubs at the July 2024 Trade Deadline, he started strong but struggled later, though his 10.06 strikeouts per nine innings highlighted his potential. He earned $2.05 million in 2024.
Arias, 24, posted a 2.73 ERA with one save in 23 minor-league appearances, including 17 at Double-A Somerset, but has not debuted in the majors. Cousins, 31, had a 2.37 ERA in 37 appearances before undergoing Tommy John surgery in June; he won't return until mid-2026 and earned $841,050 last year. Effross, 31, dealt with injuries, making 11 appearances with an 8.44 ERA and finishing five games; he earned $800,000 and didn't pitch in the majors after July 25. Hamilton, 29, recorded a 2-1 mark and 4.28 ERA in 36 outings, allowing no runs in 26, but was optioned in late July; his salary was $941,050.
The Yankees tendered contracts to eight other arbitration-eligible players: Jazz Chisholm Jr., David Bednar, Camilo Doval, Anthony Volpe, Jose Caballero, Luis Gil, Fernando Cruz, and Jake Bird. Negotiations with this group will continue, with salary exchanges set for January.