Yankees Acquire Relievers Mark Leiter Jr. and Enyel De Los Santos, Trade Away Caleb Ferguson
The New York Yankees made some strategic bullpen changes at Tuesday’s trade deadline, acquiring right-handed relievers Mark Leiter Jr. from the Chicago Cubs and Enyel De Los Santos from the San Diego Padres, while sending left-hander Caleb Ferguson to the Houston Astros. These moves come as the Yankees aim to bolster their bullpen with more strikeout-heavy pitchers.
Leiter Jr. and De Los Santos Add Firepower to the Bullpen
Mark Leiter Jr., 33, is having a solid season with a 2-4 record and a 4.21 ERA in 39 relief appearances for the Cubs. Known for his ability to generate strikeouts, Leiter has fanned 53 batters in just 36 1/3 innings, averaging an impressive 13.13 strikeouts per nine innings. He has also proven effective in high-pressure situations, allowing just three of 21 inherited runners to score. With a $1.5 million one-year contract, Leiter brings depth and experience to the Yankees’ bullpen. He’s eligible for salary arbitration this winter and will be a free agent after the 2026 season.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed excitement about the addition of Leiter, citing his recent strong performances. Leiter is expected to join the team immediately and could be available for upcoming games.
Enyel De Los Santos, 28, has also shown potential, despite a 4.46 ERA in 44 relief appearances for the Padres this season. He has struck out 48 batters in 40 1/3 innings, although he has allowed 11 home runs. De Los Santos will need to trim his beard to comply with the Yankees’ grooming policy, but his power-pitching style fits the team’s need for relievers who can generate strikeouts. He is signed to a $1.16 million contract and will also be under team control through the 2026 season.
Yankees Deal Caleb Ferguson to Astros
In exchange for these acquisitions, the Yankees sent Caleb Ferguson to the Houston Astros. Ferguson, who was acquired from the Dodgers in February, has struggled this season with a 5.13 ERA in 42 relief appearances. Despite his difficulties, Ferguson managed to strike out 41 batters in 33 1/3 innings and had one save. He is under contract for $2.4 million and will become a free agent after this year’s World Series.
Additional Trade Details
The Yankees also dealt minor league prospects Jack Neely (RHP) and Ben Cowles (infielder) to the Cubs, and Brandon Lockridge (outfielder) to the Padres. In return, New York received right-hander Thomas Balboni Jr. from San Diego and minor league pitcher Kelly Austin from the Astros, along with international signing bonus pool allocation from Houston.
Cowles, 24, has had a strong season at Double-A Somerset, hitting .294 with nine home runs and 51 RBIs, while Neely, also 24, has a 2.81 ERA in Triple-A. Lockridge, 27, has been a standout at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, batting .295 with 34 stolen bases.
Yankees Strengthen Roster for Playoff Push
With these moves, the Yankees are focused on enhancing their bullpen depth and improving their overall team performance as they push for a postseason run. The addition of strikeout pitchers like Leiter Jr. and De Los Santos aligns with the Yankees’ strategy of dominating opposing lineups late in games.
