Yankees Sign Don Hamel from Mets to Strengthen Bullpen for 2026 Season
The New York Yankees are heading into the 2026 MLB season with relatively the same group after outfielder Cody Bellinger officially rejoined the organization on a five-year contract on Monday.
However, one aspect of the club will look dramatically different in 2026, and that is the bullpen, which could experience some regression.
The Yankees saw two of their high-leverage arms, right-handers Luke Weaver and Devin Williams , depart for the retooling New York Mets after both endured down seasons in the Bronx last year.
The bullpen was one of the team’s biggest strengths in 2025, but with limited payroll flexibility following Bellinger’s deal, New York likely didn’t have the resources to retain either reliever.
As a result, the front office has been active in MLB free agency, particularly on the waiver wire, searching for arms who could contribute this season.
On Tuesday, the Yankees announced their latest roster move, adding right-hander Don Hamel, a pitcher who originally developed in the Mets’ system and made his big-league debut with them.
In corresponding moves, the Yankees designated left-hander Jayvien Sandridge and utility man Marco Luciano for assignment.
Hamel was the Mets’ third-round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft and quickly rose through their system, earning the organization’s Minor League Pitcher of the Year award in 2022.
His success in the minors never fully carried over to the major-league level, as he appeared in only one game for New York in 2025, allowing three hits in a single inning.
The Mets designated him for assignment in September, and he spent the remainder of the year bouncing between the Baltimore Orioles ’ and Texas Rangers ’ minor-league systems before Texas also designated him for assignment last week.
The Yankees will give him a look in spring training to see whether he can stick in the majors, likely competing for a situational or depth relief role. He is not projected to be a high-leverage arm at this stage, but he offers low-risk bullpen depth and some upside as New York continues shaping its pitching staff for 2026.
Related: Yankees' Aaron Judge Sends Message to Cody Bellinger After MLB Free Agency Decision
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
