Yankees Claim Michael Siani Off Waivers from Dodgers
In a strategic move to bolster their outfield depth, the New York Yankees have claimed Michael Siani off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers. The transaction, announced on Friday, comes as the Yankees prepare for the 2026 season, aiming to strengthen their roster with versatile players who can contribute both offensively and defensively.
Siani's Background and Recent Performance
Michael Siani, a 26-year-old outfielder, has had an interesting journey through Major League Baseball. Originally selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the fourth round of the 2018 First-Year Player Draft, Siani has played for multiple teams over the past few seasons, showcasing his adaptability and potential.
In 2025, Siani appeared in 19 games with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he batted .235 (4-for-17) with four runs and two walks. He saw action in 17 games, including five starts in centerfield. However, the majority of his playing time during the 2025 season was with Triple-A Memphis, where he appeared in 101 games, hitting .209 with 64 runs, 12 doubles, four triples, eight home runs, 41 RBIs, 50 walks, and 28 stolen bases.
MLB Career Highlights
Over parts of four Major League seasons with the Reds and Cardinals, Siani has compiled a .221 batting average (76-for-344) with 48 runs, seven doubles, two triples, two home runs, 20 RBIs, 24 walks, and 21 stolen bases in 160 games. His versatility is evident in his ability to play all three outfield positions, with the majority of his games in centerfield (140 games, including 108 starts).
Recent Waiver Moves
Siani's journey in the 2025-2026 offseason has been marked by several waiver claims and designations. He was designated for assignment by the Cincinnati Reds on August 31, 2023, and claimed by the St. Louis Cardinals on September 2, 2023. Later, he was claimed by the Atlanta Braves on November 6, 2025, and designated for assignment on December 10, 2025, before being claimed by the Los Angeles Dodgers on December 12, 2025.
The Yankees' claim of Siani comes as they designate right-handed pitcher Kaleb Ort for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster. Ort, who had been with the team since being acquired in a trade, will now explore other opportunities in MLB or the minor leagues.
Yankees' Roster Strategy
The Yankees' move to claim Siani reflects their ongoing efforts to build a competitive roster for the 2026 season. With injuries and the need for depth in the outfield, Siani's addition provides flexibility and potential upside. His ability to play multiple outfield positions and his track record of stolen bases could be valuable assets as the team looks to stay healthy and competitive throughout the season.
General Manager Brian Cashman has often emphasized the importance of having versatile players who can fill multiple roles, and Siani fits that profile. While he may not be a household name, his experience and adaptability make him a solid addition to the Yankees' depth chart.
What Lies Ahead for Siani?
For Siani, joining the Yankees represents another opportunity to secure consistent playing time and potentially contribute to a playoff-contending team. After spending most of the 2025 season in the minors, his performance with the Cardinals was modest but showed flashes of the talent that made him a fourth-round pick in 2018.
The Yankees' organization is known for its developmental approach, and Siani could benefit from the team's coaching and resources. If he can refine his hitting and continue to utilize his speed on the basepaths, he could become a reliable contributor off the bench or in a platoon role.
Conclusion
The waiver claim of Michael Siani by the Yankees is a smart, low-risk move that adds depth to their outfield. While he may not immediately become a starter, his versatility and potential make him a valuable asset. As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Siani performs and whether he can seize an opportunity to contribute to the Yankees' goals.
