The New York Yankees just made a move that probably didn't set your phone's notification tray on fire, but if you've followed Brian Cashman's recent "dumpster diving" successes, you know these are the ones to watch. The team officially signed right-hander Adam Kloffenstein to a minor-league deal with an invite to big league Spring Training.
If that name sounds familiar but you can't quite place it, here's the deal. Kloffenstein was a highly touted prospect not too long ago. Specifically, he was a former Cardinals draft pick—well, technically a Blue Jays pick who the Cardinals traded for and eventually debuted—who has a massive 6-foot-5 frame and a sinker that makes scouts drool when it's actually hitting the zone.
Why the Yankees Sign Former Cardinals Draft Pick Now
Honestly, the Yankees are playing a numbers game. With Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón facing some question marks heading into the 2026 season, the Bronx Bombers need "bulk." Kloffenstein spent most of 2025 at Triple-A Buffalo in the Blue Jays system (he went back there after his brief St. Louis stint), and the numbers weren't pretty. We’re talking a 6.26 ERA.
So why bother?
Because the Yankees believe they have the "secret sauce" for fixing these guys. Look at Luke Weaver. Look at Jake Cousins. Both were basically castoffs that Matt Blake and the pitching staff turned into high-leverage monsters. Kloffenstein has a lone Major League inning under his belt—thrown for the Cardinals in 2024—and it was actually a perfect inning. Zero ERA.
The kid has a third-round pedigree. He was part of that big trade that sent Jordan Hicks to Toronto back in 2023. The Cardinals saw something in him then, and the Yankees see something in him now. It's basically a low-risk, high-reward flyer on a guy who still has "prospect" velocity but lacks "prospect" command.
The Paul DeJong Factor
While Kloffenstein is the arm, the Yankees also doubled down on the "Ex-Cardinals" theme by snagging infielder Paul DeJong on a minor league contract. It’s kinda funny because DeJong actually has an old tweet from 2011 where he said he "hated the Yankees."
Life comes at you fast.
DeJong is 32 now. He’s a former All-Star who hit 30 home runs back in 2019 for St. Louis. He’s definitely a journeyman at this point—this will be his seventh organization—but he provides a safety net. With Anthony Volpe dealing with a left shoulder issue that might linger into the 2026 opener, having a veteran who can play shortstop, third, and second is basically a requirement for a team with World Series aspirations.
Breaking Down the Depth Chart
The Yankees' infield is crowded, but it's fragile. You have Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second and Ryan McMahon at third. But if one of those guys goes down, you're looking at a lot of pressure on the kids like Ben Rice.
- Adam Kloffenstein: Provides insurance for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He's the "break glass in case of emergency" starter or long reliever.
- Paul DeJong: Competing for a bench spot. If he hits 20+ homers like he did in 2024 (split between the White Sox and Royals), he’s a steal for a $1 million salary.
- Ryan Weathers: The Yankees also just traded for him from the Marlins. He’s the son of former Yankee David Weathers. The theme here is clear: pedigree and depth.
What to Expect in Spring Training
Don't expect Kloffenstein to be in the Opening Day rotation. That's just not happening. He’s going to spend February and March in Tampa working with the Yankees' development staff to fix his walk rate. He walked nearly five batters per nine innings last year. That’ll get you killed in the AL East.
But the Yankees have this weird knack for finding guys with high spin rates or specific release points that they can tweak. Kloffenstein fits the "Yankee Pitching Lab" profile perfectly. He’s 25. He’s cheap. He has a pedigree.
As for DeJong, he just needs to show he can still handle the glove. If he can hit .230 with some pop, he beats out the typical Quad-A utility man. He’s also looking to secure his MLB pension, sitting at nearly 10 years of service time. He’s going to be motivated.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
- Watch the Box Scores: Keep an eye on Kloffenstein’s walk numbers in Spring Training. If they drop, the Yankees found another gem.
- The Volpe Connection: DeJong’s roster status is a direct barometer for Anthony Volpe’s health. If DeJong makes the team, Volpe might be starting the year on the IL.
- Scranton is Loaded: Even if these guys don't start in the Bronx, the Triple-A affiliate is going to be incredibly veteran-heavy, which is great for protecting the younger prospects.
The Yankees sign former Cardinals draft pick moves might seem like minor footnotes in January, but these are exactly the types of acquisitions that save a season in July when the injury bug inevitably bites.
