The New York Yankees claimed right-handed pitcher Dom Hamel off waivers from the Texas Rangers on January 27, 2026, adding depth to their pitching staff. In a corresponding move, the team designated left-hander Jayvien Sandridge and infielder/outfielder Marco Luciano for assignment. Hamel, a 26-year-old former Mets prospect, brings minor league experience and a brief MLB debut to the organization.
The New York Yankees bolstered their roster on January 27, 2026, by claiming right-hander Dom Hamel off waivers from the Texas Rangers. This transaction marks the fourth MLB organization for the 26-year-old pitcher from Chandler, Arizona, within the past five months. Hamel was originally selected by the New York Mets in the third round of the 2021 First-Year Player Draft out of Dallas Baptist University. He progressed through the Mets' system, earning the organization's Minor League Pitcher of the Year award in 2022.
Over five minor league seasons with the Mets from 2021 to 2025, Hamel compiled a 27-24 record with one save and a 4.72 ERA across 111 games, including 89 starts. In 2025, he spent most of the year with Triple-A Syracuse, posting a 4-6 record, one save, and a 5.32 ERA with 75 strikeouts in 67 2/3 innings over 31 appearances (11 starts). His Major League debut came that September 17 against San Diego, where he pitched a scoreless inning in relief, though he allowed three hits and hit one batter.
Hamel's recent journey has been turbulent. The Mets designated him for assignment on September 18, 2025, after which the Baltimore Orioles claimed him two days later. Baltimore then designated him for assignment on September 25, leading to the Rangers claiming him on September 27. Texas designated him again on January 20, 2026, paving the way for his move to the Yankees.
To accommodate Hamel, the Yankees designated left-hander Jayvien Sandridge and infielder/outfielder Marco Luciano for assignment. Sandridge, who signed a minor league deal with New York last February, made one appearance for the team, allowing two runs in two-thirds of an inning. Luciano, a former top-100 prospect in the San Francisco Giants system, had been claimed off waivers from the Orioles just the previous Thursday.
This series of moves reflects the Yankees' ongoing efforts to refine their roster ahead of the 2026 season, with single-game tickets already on sale.
