The New York Yankees and Amed Rosario are in agreement on a one-year, $2.5 million contract, sources told ESPN on Saturday, bringing the two sides back together after a short but productive stint last season. The deal includes incentive bonuses reported between $225,000 and $250,000, and Rosario is represented by Octagon.
Rosario, 30, originally joined the Yankees on July 26, when New York acquired him from the Washington Nationals at the trade deadline. In that deal, the Nationals received right-handed pitcher Clayton Beeter and minor league outfielder Brown Martinez. The Yankees targeted Rosario then for his versatility and right-handed bat — it was the same traits that drove the decision to bring him back.
- The Yankees and Amed Rosario agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million contract that includes up to $225,000–$250,000 in performance incentives.
- Rosario’s biggest value comes from his strong production against left-handed pitching and his ability to play multiple positions.
- New York sees Rosario as a solution to its heavily left-handed lineup and as important infield depth, especially early in the season.
Addressing a Left-Handed Lineup With a Proven Right-Handed Option
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has identified the club’s left-handed-heavy lineup as a problem he wanted to address this offseason. Speaking at the Winter Meetings, Cashman explained why adding accessible right-handed hitters has been challenging.
“I definitely want to give Aaron Boone some legitimate choices so he can match up when we’re facing a left-handed starter because obviously we’re so left-handed that it’s a vulnerability right now,” Cashman said. “There’s not a lot of right-handed bats in the game that are accessible.”
Rosario fits directly into that plan. After nine major league seasons, his strongest offensive skill remains his performance against left-handed pitching. During the 2025 season, he batted .302 with four home runs and an .819 OPS in 122 plate appearances against lefties. Over his career, he owns a .298/.336/.464 slash line in 1,196 plate appearances against southpaws.
At the time of Rosario’s re-signing, major sportsbooks continued to list the Yankees among the leading teams in World Series futures markets. DraftKings listed New York at +750 in early November, while FanDuel showed +700 during the same period. BetMGM and Action Network futures boards also listed the Yankees at +750, and Covers listed them at +700. PointsBet markets showed the Yankees at +850 in one listing and 9.50 in decimal odds in another.
These figures, posted across November and December, placed the Yankees consistently within a narrow futures range.
Rosario’s Production Following the Trade Deadline
After arriving in New York last July, Rosario contributed right away despite limited opportunities. He appeared in 16 regular-season games with the Yankees and batted .303, going 10-for-33 with a .788 OPS. His playing time was reduced by a 10-day stint on the injured list due to a left sternoclavicular joint sprain, but his offensive production met expectations.
Across the full 2025 season with the Nationals and Yankees combined, Rosario posted a .276 batting average and a .745 OPS, with six home runs and 23 RBIs. He also appeared in four postseason games for New York, making two starts and going 3-for-10.
Versatility Across the Diamond and Depth in the Infield
Rosario played mostly third base for the Yankees last season and is expected to fill a similar role again, likely platooning with left-handed hitter Ryan McMahon. McMahon is considered a strong defender, but Rosario is expected to receive more playing time against left-handed pitching. He also saw action at second base and in right field, giving manager Aaron Boone multiple options.
Flexibility is especially relevant early in the season. Anthony Volpe is expected to miss the start of the year while recovering from shoulder surgery, and if Jose Caballero handles extended shortstop duties, Rosario’s presence helps fill the utility role on the bench.
Reports have also linked the Yankees to Brendan Donovan and, more loosely, All-Star Bo Bichette.
A Veteran Role Player Finds Stability in the Bronx
Once considered one of baseball’s top prospects in the New York Mets’ farm system, Rosario later produced solid but uneven results as a regular with the Mets and Cleveland Guardians. His overall effectiveness was limited by low walk rates, struggles against right-handed pitching, and subpar defense at shortstop.
Now entering his age-30 season, Rosario has settled into a part-time, multi-position role. While he does not provide significant defensive value at any single position, his ability to hit left-handed pitching remains his defining strength.
Since the start of the 2023 season, Rosario has played for six different teams, signing one-year deals with the Tampa Bay Rays and Washington Nationals before returning to New York. The Yankees had interest in him during each of the past two offseasons, and this time they were able to complete a deal that brings him back for a full season. The contract represents a slight raise from the $2 million deal he signed with Washington last winter.
