The New York Yankees recently made a low-profile roster move that may quietly signal changes to their bench. The team has signed 29-year-old Cooper Hummel to a minor league deal. Hummel, a switch-hitting corner outfielder and catcher, has had limited success in the major leagues but has performed well in Triple-A. Despite a disappointing .159 average across 82 MLB games from 2022-2024, his Triple-A stats tell a different story, including a .277/.419/.454 line last season with the Astros’ affiliate.
This signing could indicate that the Yankees are preparing for changes to their roster. The team entered the season without a clear right-handed bench bat, relying instead on light-hitting righties Pablo Reyes and Oswald Peraza. Hummel’s addition puts pressure on both players, as the Yankees continue to look for more right-handed production. Peraza, once a top prospect, has yet to establish himself in the majors, while Reyes has struggled early this season, going 0-for-6 and committing errors at third base.
While Hummel’s addition does not guarantee a roster move, he provides the Yankees with a right-handed bat with experience behind the plate and in the outfield. This move adds another layer of pressure on Reyes and Peraza, who are both vying for spots on the roster. Whether one of them will be designated for assignment remains uncertain, but the Yankees’ bench is definitely in flux.
