In what is becoming a familiar move for the Yankees, the club has signed left-handed pitcher Brandon Leibrandt to a minor league contract, according to his profile page on MLB.com. Leibrandt, 31, joins the Yankees organization after spending the past year bouncing between various levels of independent baseball and the minor leagues, and the Yankees are hoping they can tap into the potential that has remained largely unfulfilled throughout his career.
Leibrandt was designated for assignment by the Cincinnati Reds at the end of October, and after clearing waivers, he opted for free agency. While his time with the Reds was short — just 6 1/3 innings over two appearances in 2023 — his journey to the Bronx has been anything but ordinary.
A 6th-round pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2014 MLB Draft, Leibrandt made his Major League debut in 2020 with the Miami Marlins, tossing nine innings across five games. Unfortunately for Leibrandt, that brief taste of the big leagues marked his last appearance in MLB until this past season, as he spent the bulk of his career in the minors, with the Marlins, Cubs, and later, outside affiliated baseball altogether.
For the 2023 season and part of 2024, Leibrandt took his talents to the Atlantic League, where he pitched for the High Point Rockers. In 80 innings with High Point, he posted an impressive 2.70 ERA, which earned him a second chance in affiliated baseball with the Reds. It was a strong showing that hinted at his potential to succeed if given the right opportunity. While his stint with Cincinnati didn’t result in much major league action, it was enough to catch the eye of the Yankees front office, who are always on the lookout for undervalued arms that could potentially contribute to the bullpen.
The Yankees’ signing of Leibrandt is a classic low-risk, high-reward move. At 31, he’s hardly an early bloomer, but the Yankees have been known to work wonders with under-the-radar pitchers who might have been written off by other organizations. Recent success stories like Nestor Cortés and Clay Holmes show that the Yankees have been able to transform pitchers into solid contributors, often with tweaks to mechanics or pitch selection.
Leibrandt’s minor league track record hints at a potential for success as a depth option in the bullpen. His 7% walk rate in the minors stands out as a promising indicator of his control, something that could prove valuable in the pressure cooker of a big league bullpen. If he can maintain that command while continuing to limit walks and throw strikes, Leibrandt could find himself as a useful piece of the Yankees’ pitching puzzle in 2024, especially considering the team’s need for reliable left-handed depth behind All-Star closer Clay Holmes and potential lefty specialists.
It’s worth noting that Leibrandt will turn 32 in December, which means time is running out for him to make a lasting impact at the MLB level. However, this late-career opportunity with the Yankees might be just the opportunity he needs. Leibrandt will enter spring training as a candidate to earn a spot in the bullpen or at least provide depth in case of injury. The Yankees have long made a habit of plucking gems from seemingly inconspicuous places, and if Leibrandt can continue his strong performance from the Atlantic League, he may very well become the latest success story.
There’s no risk for the Yankees in bringing Leibrandt to spring training. As with most minor league signings, if he doesn’t pan out, the team can move on without consequence. But if Leibrandt has unlocked something in his game and can find the right rhythm in New York, it could prove to be another savvy, under-the-radar acquisition that pays dividends as the team aims for a World Series title.
The Yankees are deep in talent and options, but as always, pitching depth is key — especially in the late innings. Brandon Leibrandt could emerge as one of the surprise stories of 2024 if he’s able to harness his potential. For now, the Yankees will keep a close eye on this project as he looks to resurrect his career in the Bronx.
