Alex Verdugo’s emergence rid the Braves of any need for Bryan De La Cruz.
The New York Yankees have added outfielder Bryan De La Cruz to their roster, claiming him off waivers from the Atlanta Braves. De La Cruz, 28, has been assigned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to provide depth to the Yankees’ outfield. To accommodate his addition, the team transferred designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton to the 60-day injured list due to ongoing elbow issues.
De La Cruz joins the Yankees after a challenging start to the 2025 season with the Braves, where he batted .191 with a .453 OPS over 16 games. Despite this, the Yankees see potential in his ability to hit left-handed pitching, an area where their current outfielders have shown vulnerability. In his previous seasons with the Miami Marlins and Pittsburgh Pirates, De La Cruz demonstrated a solid track record, including a .724 OPS over four seasons with the Marlins.
The Yankees’ outfield is currently populated with left-handed hitters such as Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Jasson Domínguez. De La Cruz’s right-handed bat provides a valuable alternative, especially in matchups against left-handed pitchers. His addition is seen as a strategic move to enhance the team’s offensive versatility.
In a corresponding roster move, the Yankees placed Giancarlo Stanton on the 60-day injured list. Stanton, who has not played this season due to elbow pain, recently returned to batting practice. This move opens a spot on the 40-man roster for De La Cruz and aligns with Stanton’s expected extended recovery timeline.
De La Cruz’s acquisition adds depth to the Yankees’ outfield, which has been performing well this season. The team boasts an American League-best +52 run differential and a 95.5% chance of making the postseason. Key contributors include Aaron Judge, Max Fried, and unexpected standouts like Trent Grisham and Fernando Cruz. Prospect Spencer Jones has also shown improvement at Double-A after modifying his batting stance, leading the league in home runs and reducing strikeouts following a difficult 2024 season.
While De La Cruz has not yet made an impact at the major league level this season, his previous performances suggest he could be a valuable asset. The Yankees will monitor his development in Triple-A, where he can refine his skills and potentially contribute to the big league club in the future.
The addition of De La Cruz reflects the Yankees’ proactive approach to roster management, ensuring they have depth and flexibility in their lineup as the season progresses. His ability to hit left-handed pitching could provide a significant boost, especially in late-season matchups and potential playoff scenarios.
As the season unfolds, the Yankees will continue to assess their roster needs and make adjustments as necessary. The addition of De La Cruz is a testament to their commitment to building a competitive team capable of contending for a postseason berth.
