Yankees reportedly sign Adam Warren to minor-league deal

In a blast from the past, Ken Rosenthal reports that the Yankees have signed right-handed reliever Adam Warren to a minor-league deal. He will receive an incentive-laden contract with a base salary of $800,000, plus an opt-out clause on August 28.

Warren, 32, appeared in 25 games for the Padres in 2019. He pitched to a 5.34 ERA (6.91 FIP) over 28.2 innings, with dramatic walk (3.77 BB/9) and home-run rates (2.83 HR/9). According to Emily Waldon, he underwent Tommy John surgery in September, so it’s unlikely that he will appear in big-league games in 2020.

The right-hander has an extensive history with the Yankees. The team drafted him in the fourth round in 2009, and he made his debut with the club in 2012. He broke out as a reliever, however, pitching to a 3.23 ERA (3.59 FIP) from 2013-2015. The Bombers traded him to the Cubs prior to the 2016 season in the Starlin Castro deal.

Warren returned to New York in July 2016, coming back as part of the Aroldis Chapman trade. In his second tour in pinstripes, he logged even better numbers, posting a 2.68 ERA (3.42 FIP). The Yankees surprisingly traded him at the 2018 deadline to the Mariners in exchange for international pool money. He then signed a free-agent contract with the San Diego Padres before having his option declined in October.

It would be cool to see Warren make it back on to the mound with the Yankees. This has feel-good story of the year potential. If nothing else, I hope the club gave him a no-trade clause for his troubles.

Update (5:00 PM ET): Mark Feinsand has reported that Warren’s deal is for two years. That could allow Warren to simply use 2020 to recover before really looking to make an impact in 2021.