Yankees Bolster Pitching Depth with Allan Winans Acquisition
The New York Yankees added to their pitching depth on Thursday by claiming right-hander Allan Winans off waivers, as reported by Chase Ford of MiLB Central. This move comes after the Atlanta Braves designated Winans for assignment last week.
Winans’ MLB Experience
Winans, 29, brings some major league experience to the Yankees, having pitched 40 innings over the past two seasons with the Braves. During his eight starts in Atlanta, Winans struggled to keep runs off the board, compiling a 7.20 ERA while allowing 32 earned runs. Opposing hitters have found success against him, batting .307 during his time in the majors.
Despite his challenges at the big-league level, Winans has shown promise as a strike-thrower and could still develop into a reliable arm.
Triple-A Success
Winans’ performance in Triple-A has been much more impressive, providing a glimpse of his potential. Over 51 games at the level, he has posted a strong 3.23 career ERA.
In the 2023 season with Triple-A Gwinnett, Winans excelled, recording a 2.85 ERA over 23 games, including 17 starts. The year prior, he posted a 3.30 ERA across 24 outings (16 starts). His consistent results in the minors highlight his ability to contribute as a depth option for the Yankees.
What’s Next for Winans in New York?
With open spots on their 40-man roster, the Yankees did not need to make a corresponding move to claim Winans. He will be brought into spring training to showcase his abilities.
Assuming Winans remains on the Yankees’ roster through Opening Day, he is expected to start the season with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. From there, he could become a candidate for a midseason call-up if injuries or other needs arise in the Yankees’ starting rotation.
Winans’ ability to provide depth and serve as a reliable option for Triple-A could prove valuable for a Yankees team always looking to reinforce its pitching staff during the long grind of the season.