Yankees Claim Dom Hamel, Designate Sandridge and Luciano

The New York Yankees have claimed right-handed pitcher Dom Hamel off waivers from the Texas Rangers.

To create roster spots for Hamel and Cody Bellinger, whose five-year deal was recently finalized, the Yankees designated left-handed pitcher Jayvien Sandridge and outfielder Marco Luciano for assignment.

Dom Hamel Acquisition

Hamel, who will turn 27 in March, made his Major League debut on September 17th, pitching one scoreless inning for the Mets. He was subsequently claimed by the Orioles and then the Rangers before being designated for assignment by Texas a week prior to the Yankees' claim.

Hamel has two remaining option years, allowing the Yankees flexibility to assign him to the minors. He transitioned from a starting role to the bullpen in 2025 due to control issues, pitching 67 2/3 innings across 31 Triple-A appearances last year.

His Triple-A statistics included a 5.32 ERA, a 25.2% strikeout rate, and an improved 7.4% walk rate. His fastball and sinker averaged in the low 90s, supplemented by a cutter, slider, and changeup.

Player Designations

Marco Luciano

Luciano's offseason has involved multiple waiver claims, moving from the Giants to the Pirates, Orioles, and now the Yankees. Once considered a top prospect, his value has decreased due to exhausting his option years and inconsistent performance.

His career MLB batting line is .217/.286/.304 with a 35.7% strikeout rate. In Triple-A, he posted a .227/.351/.401 line in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, striking out 29.6% of the time. He is 24 years old and has less than a year of service time.

Jayvien Sandridge

Sandridge, who will be 27 next month, made his only Major League appearance with the Yankees on July 5th. During this outing, he walked two batters, allowed a home run, hit a batter, and recorded two strikeouts.

His minor league record shows a 4.66 ERA over 36 2/3 innings last year, with a 32.7% strikeout rate and an 11.4% walk rate. Sandridge also has remaining option years, which could make him appealing to other teams seeking relief depth.