Born Minutes From Yankee Stadium, RHP Pitcher Signs With Yankees

The New York Yankees have brought a hometown kid into the system for some bullpen depth. Right-hander James Norwood has been signed to a minor league contract. 

James Norwood, a righty reliever who was 1-0 w/ 8.31 ERA and 22K/9BB in 17 1/3 IP for Phillies in 2022, has signed minor league deal w/ Yankees. He averaged 97 with FB and throws splitter & slider. He graduated from All Hallows HS, which is a few minutes away from Yankee Stadium

— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) December 13, 2022

Norwood attended All Hallows High School on East 164th Street in the Bronx, just minutes away from Yankee Stadium. 

The 29-year-old has spent five seasons toiling on and off for a number of major league teams, most recently getting into 20 games with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2022. He was traded to the Boston Red Sox in June, and at Triple-A he posted a 4.87 ERA with 24 strikeouts in 20 ⅓ innings. Although the numbers haven't been pretty (5.48 career ERA in 44.1 major league innings), he has some promise. 

James Norwood, the newest Yankee reliever has some really good stuff. Simple, repeatable delivery and the splitter is devastating. Heater looks good around 96+ and the cutter/slider combo is nice. I’ll be interested to see what Matt Blake can do for him pic.twitter.com/XLiHIpqUWO

— Jonny's Lasagna ⚾️ (@JLasagna43) December 13, 2022

He brings a 96+ mph fastball with a devastating splitter. He'll likely begin his Yankee journey with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders in Triple-A.

 Photo: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports