Overview
- The Yankees announced the waiver claim on January 9 after reporter Ari Alexander first reported the move.
- Ort, 33, logged 49 appearances for Houston in 2025 with a 4.89 ERA, 46 innings and 49 strikeouts; his career line over five MLB seasons is a 5.00 ERA in 118 games.
- Reporters expect Ort to receive a spring-training invite and compete for a bullpen spot with New York.
- New York had open 40-man roster space, so no corresponding transaction was required.
- Ort features a mid-96 mph fastball with a sweeper and cutter, was tough on right-handed hitters last season, and struggled with command as his walk rate rose in 2025.