BREAKING: Yankees sign 24-year-old with 95 MPH fastball to MiLB free agent deal
The Yankees’ signing of Jordany Ventura offers them a promising arm with potential, adding valuable depth to their upper Minor League system. Ventura, a former Mets prospect, showcased his abilities last season at Double-A, where he posted a solid 2.96 ERA with 55 strikeouts over 48.2 innings, despite limited time due to injuries. His effectiveness as a reliever who can miss bats makes him an intriguing addition, especially as the Yankees
have a strong record of developing pitchers and refining their skills.
If Ventura stays healthy and continues to develop, he could emerge as a useful multi-inning option with the potential to transition to a bigger role. The Yankees’ interest likely stems from his ability to pitch effectively in various situations, and they may view him as a valuable piece for their organizational depth, possibly even as a future bullpen option at the MLB level if he progresses well.
Jordany Ventura Joins Yankees On Minor League Deal
Jordany Ventura’s addition to the Yankees’ Minor League system brings them a versatile arm with the potential to be molded into a reliable multi-inning reliever. His recent success with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, where he impressed with a 31.4% strikeout rate and no runs allowed across five appearances, underscores his ability to thrive in a relief role rather than as a full-time starter. This transition has allowed him to focus on shorter, impactful outings, where his diverse pitch mix can shine.
Ventura’s fastball, sitting at 93-94 mph with peaks at 96, benefits from good spin and decent vertical movement. Combined with his sinker, cutter, slider, curveball, and changeup, he has an arsenal that gives him flexibility in his role on the mound. The Yankees, under the guidance of pitching gurus Sam Briend and Matt Blake, have a strong track record in refining velocity and pitch movement, both areas Ventura could see improvement in.
At 24, Ventura has a reasonable path toward reaching the majors by 2025 if he maintains his health and progress. The Yankees’ development team will likely aim to sharpen his mechanics and optimize his pitch sequencing, potentially turning him into a valuable swing-and-miss reliever capable of handling multiple innings—a role with increasing value in today’s game.