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Yankees Claim Royals' Kaleb Ort in Low-Risk Move

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, January 10th 2026 at 4:05 GMT by New York Post
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Bronx, NY - January 10th, 2026 - The New York Yankees, perpetually striving for excellence, have injected some fresh competition into their already formidable bullpen by claiming right-handed reliever Kaleb Ort off waivers from the Kansas City Royals. The move, announced Friday, signals the team's ongoing commitment to depth and the relentless pursuit of marginal gains as they gear up for the 2026 season.

Kaleb Ort, age 27, represents a low-risk, high-potential addition to the Yankees' roster. While his career ERA of 4.83 across 68 innings might not immediately jump off the page, the underlying talent is undeniable. Ort's fastball is a key asset, consistently registering speeds up to 97 mph, a velocity that can disrupt opposing hitters and provide a valuable weapon in high-leverage situations. This raw power, coupled with the potential for improved control and command, is what drew the Yankees' attention.

The Royals, after evaluating Ort's performance, opted to release him, presenting the Yankees with an opportunity to acquire him without utilizing any draft pick compensation. This type of opportunistic claiming is a hallmark of the Yankees' front office, known for its meticulous analysis of undervalued players across the league. It reflects a belief that even a player with perceived shortcomings can blossom within a different environment and coaching system.

A Competitive Spring Training Ahead

The addition of Ort intensifies what is already anticipated to be a fiercely competitive battle for bullpen spots during spring training in Tampa. The Yankees' bullpen, historically a strength of the team, boasts a roster of established veterans and promising young arms. Names like Clay Holmes, Michael King, and Lou Trivino are expected to vie for crucial roles, but Ort's arrival forces everyone to elevate their game. He'll have to demonstrate his value consistently throughout spring training to earn a place on the 26-man roster.

Manager Aaron Boone has publicly emphasized the importance of a deep and versatile bullpen, acknowledging that injuries and unexpected slumps are inevitable realities of a long season. Having a surplus of reliable options allows Boone to deploy his pitchers strategically, matching them effectively against opposing lineups and preserving valuable arms for critical late-game situations. Ort provides precisely that - another arm he can count on to provide a spark.

Ort's Background & Potential

Prior to his brief stint with the Royals, Ort honed his skills within the minor league systems of both the Miami Marlins and the Los Angeles Dodgers. While the specifics of his development within those organizations remain relatively scarce in readily available public records, it's clear that the Yankees' scouting department saw enough potential to warrant this claim. The Dodgers, known for their sophisticated player development programs, likely played a significant role in shaping Ort's early career trajectory. Understanding the nuances of the Dodgers' approach and how it might influence Ort's performance on the Yankees could prove fascinating as the spring progresses.

The question now becomes: Can Ort translate his raw talent and high-velocity fastball into consistent results at the major league level? The Yankees' coaching staff will undoubtedly work closely with him, focusing on refining his pitch mix, improving his command, and maximizing his efficiency. Success will depend not only on his physical abilities but also on his ability to adapt to the Yankees' culture and embrace the high expectations that come with playing in New York. The 2026 season promises a compelling storyline as Kaleb Ort attempts to carve out a role for himself within one of baseball's most storied franchises.