Yankees Sign Outfielder After Dominating Spring Training

The Yankees made a low-key but potentially impactful move by signing utilityman Cooper Hummel to a minor league deal, adding much-needed right-handed depth to their bench mix. 

Hummel, a switch-hitter with experience at catcher, first base, and the corner outfield, elected free agency after being designated for assignment by the Houston Astros. He impressed during spring training, slashing .316/.435/.447 over 46 plate appearances, and drew praise for his plate discipline with seven walks and just nine strikeouts. 

Utilityman Cooper Hummel and the New York Yankees are in agreement on a minor league deal, sources tell ESPN. Hummel, 30, elected free agency after being DFA’d and will report to AAA. A switch hitter, Hummel would make $820K if he’s in the big leagues, as Yankees need a RH bat.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) April 4, 2025

Hummel’s major league experience is limited—just 82 games across three seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Seattle Mariners, and Astros—but his performance in Triple-A has consistently turned heads. 

Across more than 300 games at that level, he’s posted a .285 average with a .419 OBP and .480 slugging percentage. Last year with Triple-A Sugar Land, he hit .277 with ten home runs and a near-18% walk rate, making a case that he could offer more than just organizational depth. 

“You can’t teach strike zone judgment like that,” a former manager said. “He forces pitchers to work.”

Source: OF/IF Cooper Hummel did not make the #Astros opening day roster.

— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) March 25, 2025

The Yankees’ bench currently features Pablo Reyes and Oswald Peraza, but neither has seized their role early in the season. Reyes is hitless through four games, and Peraza has struggled to find consistency despite his former top-prospect status. 

With Giancarlo Stanton on the injured list and the team light on right-handed bats, Hummel may get a real opportunity if the current group can’t produce. For now, he’ll report to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, but with the big league team off to a strong start and looking to stay deep, Hummel’s path back to the majors may not be far off.

Photo Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images