The Yankees have signed right-hander James Norwood to a minor league deal, according to Jack Curry of YES Network. Norwood will presumably receive an invite to major league Spring Training, though no official announcement has been made.
Norwood, 29 later this month, has seen limited big league action in each of the past five seasons. Spending time with the Cubs, Padres and Phillies, he’s tallied a combined 44 1/3 innings over those seasons with a 5.48 ERA. In 2022, he threw 17 1/3 frames with an ERA of 8.31, though likely deserved better. His 25.9% strikeout rate was strong and his 10.6% walk rate high but within range of average. A .423 batting average on balls in play and 53% strand rate surely added some extra earned runs to his ledger.
It was a fairly similar story in Triple-A, with the righty posting a 4.87 ERA in 20 1/3 innings. He struck out 27.3% of batters faced but was undone by a 12.5% walk rate, .358 BABIP and 56.7% strand rate.
Norwood will provide the Yanks with an experienced depth option and also a local connection. As noted by Curry, he went to All Hallows High School in the Bronx, just a couple of blocks away from Yankee Stadium. Norwood is out of options and will have to hang onto a roster spot if he earns one, or else be designated for assignment.
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