{"id":137168,"date":"2026-01-09T22:41:43","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T22:41:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=137168"},"modified":"2026-01-09T22:41:43","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T22:41:43","slug":"%f0%9f%9a%a8-waiver-drama-alert-the-new-york-yankees-quietly-swooped-in-to-claim-a-former-boston-red-sox-reliever-off-waivers-from-another-al-rival-and-the-timing-has-people-talking-what-s","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=137168","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udea8 WAIVER DRAMA ALERT: The New York Yankees quietly swooped in to claim a former Boston Red Sox reliever off waivers from another AL rival \u2014 and the timing has people talking. What seemed like a low-key move is now raising eyebrows across front offices. Why was this arm suddenly available, and what did New York see that others didn\u2019t? Sometimes rivalry twists happen in silence \ud83d\udc47"},"content":{"rendered":"

Former Boston Red Sox<\/span><\/span><\/strong> relief pitcher Kaleb Ort<\/span><\/span><\/strong> is officially joining one of baseball\u2019s most storied franchises.<\/p>\n

\"Yankees<\/p>\n

The New York Yankees<\/span><\/span><\/strong> have claimed the veteran right-hander, adding another arm to their bullpen mix.<\/p>\n

The Bronx Bombers claimed the 33-year-old pitcher off waivers from the Houston Astros<\/span><\/span><\/strong> on Friday.<\/p>\n

While not a headline-grabbing blockbuster, the move adds depth and experience to New York\u2019s pitching staff.<\/p>\n

The news was first reported by 7News Boston reporter Ari Alexander<\/span><\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Alexander broke the story on social media.<\/p>\n

\u201cSource: RHP Kaleb Ort has been claimed off waivers by the #Yankees,\u201d Alexander posted on X.<\/p>\n

Shortly thereafter, the Yankees confirmed the transaction themselves.<\/p>\n

The organization released its own statement through its official X account.<\/p>\n

\u201cEarlier today, the Yankees claimed RHP Kaleb Ort off waivers from the Houston Astros,\u201d the team wrote.<\/p>\n

The announcement marks yet another instance of movement between longtime rivals.<\/p>\n

Even routine transactions carry added intrigue when they involve former Red Sox players heading to the Bronx.<\/p>\n

Friday\u2019s waiver claim comes less than one month after New York signed two other former Boston players.<\/p>\n

Those signings included catcher Ali Sanchez<\/span><\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

They also added infielder Zack Short<\/span><\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Both players were brought in on minor-league contracts.<\/p>\n

Taken together, these moves highlight the Yankees\u2019 focus on roster depth rather than splashy acquisitions.<\/p>\n

Kaleb Ort\u2019s professional journey has been defined by persistence and constant movement.<\/p>\n

He was originally signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks<\/span><\/span><\/strong> as an amateur free agent in September 2016.<\/p>\n

That initial opportunity proved brief.<\/p>\n

Arizona released Ort just six months later.<\/p>\n

For many players, such an early setback can derail a career.<\/p>\n

Ort chose to continue grinding.<\/p>\n

In May 2017, he signed with the Yankees organization for the first time.<\/p>\n

Although he did not reach the majors with New York during that stint, the experience kept him in the professional pipeline.<\/p>\n

Ort\u2019s career took a significant turn in December 2019.<\/p>\n

The Red Sox selected the Michigan native from the Yankees in the 2020 Rule 5 Draft.<\/p>\n

That selection forced Boston to keep him on the major-league roster or offer him back.<\/p>\n

Ort eventually earned his chance.<\/p>\n

He made his major-league debut in September 2021.<\/p>\n

His first season in the big leagues was limited.<\/p>\n

Ort appeared in just one game during the 2021 campaign.<\/p>\n

The following year provided a larger sample size.<\/p>\n

In 2022, Ort pitched in 25 games out of Boston\u2019s bullpen.<\/p>\n

That season showcased both his ability to miss bats and his inconsistency.<\/p>\n

Boston continued to evaluate how he fit into their long-term plans.<\/p>\n

During the 2023 season, Ort remained part of the Red Sox pitching staff.<\/p>\n

He appeared in 21 games that year.<\/p>\n

He also made two starts.<\/p>\n

Those starts reflected Boston\u2019s willingness to experiment with his role.<\/p>\n

Despite flashes of effectiveness, stability remained elusive.<\/p>\n

In October 2023, Ort was selected off waivers by the Seattle Mariners<\/span><\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

That move marked another stop in a career filled with transitions.<\/p>\n

Across his time with Boston, Ort posted mixed results.<\/p>\n

He finished with a 2-4 record.<\/p>\n

He registered a 6.27 ERA.<\/p>\n

His WHIP stood at 1.70.<\/p>\n

He recorded 51 strikeouts in 51\u2154 innings pitched.<\/p>\n

The numbers reflected both promise and persistent command issues.<\/em><\/p>\n

Ort\u2019s path shifted again in May 2024.<\/p>\n

He was claimed off waivers by the Astros from the Baltimore Orioles<\/span><\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

That move proved to be a turning point.<\/p>\n

With Houston, Ort found the most consistent success of his career.<\/p>\n

During the 2024 season, he delivered his best statistical performance.<\/p>\n

He went 1-1 on the year.<\/p>\n

He posted an impressive 2.55 ERA.<\/p>\n

His WHIP dropped to an outstanding 0.81.<\/p>\n

He struck out 26 batters.<\/p>\n

Those numbers came across 24\u2154 innings in 22 appearances.<\/p>\n

For a pitcher who had struggled to establish himself, that stretch was significant.<\/em><\/p>\n

Ort showed improved command.<\/p>\n

He limited baserunners.<\/p>\n

He became a reliable bullpen option.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, Houston chose to expose him to waivers.<\/p>\n

That decision opened the door for New York.<\/p>\n

For the Yankees, the move represents a low-risk addition.<\/p>\n

Ort brings experience across multiple organizations.<\/p>\n

He has pitched in competitive environments.<\/p>\n

He understands the demands of contending teams.<\/p>\n

At 33 years old, he is not viewed as a long-term cornerstone.<\/p>\n

Instead, he represents depth, flexibility, and competition.<\/p>\n

His prior time in the Yankees system also provides familiarity.<\/p>\n

The organization knows his background.<\/p>\n

They know his work ethic.<\/p>\n

They know what adjustments might still be possible.<\/p>\n

Baseball careers are rarely linear.<\/em><\/p>\n

Kaleb Ort\u2019s journey is a clear example of that truth.<\/p>\n

Now, he returns to the Yankees in pinstripes once again.<\/p>\n

This time, with more experience than ever before.<\/p>\n

Whether Ort secures a lasting role remains to be seen.<\/p>\n

But for now, opportunity has found him again.<\/p>\n

And it arrives in the Bronx.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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