Many teams made improvements to their rosters this offseason. The New York Yankees made progressive moves by adding talent and allowing players to move on to other opportunities. This season, former Yankees players are vital pieces of other organizations.
The Bronx bombers took to the offseason to fill holes and improve weak points. Over the years, some players were now renewed in the pinstripes due to their present status. Other former players were purposely allowed to walk.
In 2025, former Yankees are employed around the league and are valued. Some of these former Yankees are proving the club wrong, possibly making Yankees fans rethink these player’s absences.
Former Yankees Pitcher Chad Green, Toronto Blue Jays
For a few years, Chad Green was a crucial part of the Yankees bullpen. He wore the pinstripes from 2016 to 2022. The former Yankees reliever was collaborative with names such as Dellin Betances and Aroldis Chapman.
His work mostly came in long-relief and the back end of the bullpen. Within the 2022 season, Green suffered injury, leading to Tommy John surgery and free agency. The former Yankees pitcher was not seeking a return.
The American League East rival, Toronto Blue Jays, decided to take a leap of faith, signing Green during his recovery process from surgery. They knew that he would return late 2023, and could still offer some innings, with a full 2024 season in mind.
Green became a reliable resource for the Blue Jays as their 2024 closer, Jordan Romano was injured for most of the season. Green picked up 17 saves in 2024 in 53 and 1 / 3 innings. Unfortunately for Toronto, they lost Romano to the Phillies in free agency.
The Blue Jays signed Jeff Hoffman as their closer for 2025, however, Green could be one of two closers on the depth chart. Ideally, the former Yankees pitcher will be the set-up man, a crucial piece to the Blue Jays bullpen.
Aroldis Chapman, Boston Red Sox
A name not spoken highly of in the Bronx will now close for the Yankees top rival. Aroldis Chapman will be the closer for the Boston Red Sox, competing in the American League East.
Chapman left the Yankees on bad terms, with a bad attitude and an insubordinate character. The left-handed pitcher was one of a kind with regard to velocity. Over time, the league hitters figured him out and caused turmoil. Chapman’s overperformance declined, and so did his character.
After leaving the Bronx, Chapman spent a season each in Kansas City, Texas, and Pittsburgh. Boston would be his fourth destination. Kenley Jansen was the Red Sox closer last season, whom they lost to the Los Angeles Angels in the offseason.
Chapman will be Jansen’s replacement this season, being the go-to guy in all save situations.
Aroldis Chapman has signed with the Red Sox pic.twitter.com/V76op4aEWf
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) December 3, 2024
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Clay Holmes, New York Mets
Following Chapman’s departure from the Bronx, the Yankees were seeking a new stopper in save situations. Right-handed reliever Clay Holmes took charge.
The former Yankees closer took one of the most difficult roles on the field in that city. His performance was spectacular until mid-2024, when doubts were on the rise.
In three Yankees seasons, Holmes recorded a total of 74 saves. In 2024, Chapman was named to his second all-star game in three Yankees seasons. He also recorded a career-high 30 saves that season.
Holmes’ struggles after the all-star break had him leading the league in blown saves. The Yankees were now vulnerable, fighting to keep the AL East lead and a postseason spot. Holmes’ was repurposed as a short-reliever, and replaced by Luke Weaver.
The former Yankees closer was not brought back and was snagged in free agency by the New York Mets.
The Mets signed him and saw potential in Holmes being a starter, which he proved right this spring training. Holmes will join the rotation and will get the ball on opening day for the Mets.
Gary Sanchez, Baltimore Orioles
This catcher was highly praised, journeyed through adversity, failed, was thrown away, and crawled his way back to the league. Gary Sanchez was a big deal for a short bit in the Bronx. He was known for his offense over his defense.
As time passed, Sanchez’s bat and defense were not AL East material. He started with the Yankees in 2015 and left in 2021. Sanchez was contract-less for a while, with regards to Major League Baseball.
In 2022, the Minnesota Twins took carriage of the catcher. In 2023, the New York Mets took a shot at Sanchez on a minor league deal. Whatever the change he made saved his career, as he was written off by many. He then made his way back to the big leagues.
The former Yankees backstop ended up with the San Diego Padres. That season between the two teams, the catcher recorded 19 home runs, bringing his career back to life. In 2024, he spent the season with the Brewers in 89 games.
2025 brings Sanchez back to the AL East, as one of two dependable catchers for the Baltimore Orioles.
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