Ryan Yarbrough: The Crafty Lefty’s MLB Journey
- Introduction to Ryan Yarbrough’s Unique Pitching Style
- From College to the Minors: The Path to MLB
- Shining in Tampa Bay: The “Bulk Guy” Era
- Mastering Soft Contact: Yarbrough’s Approach on the Mound
- A Stop in Kansas City and a Scary Moment
- Joining the Dodgers and Earning a Ring
- A Brief But Effective Stint with the Blue Jays
- Finding a Home in New York: The Latest Chapter
- Yarbrough’s Influence and What Comes Next
- Ryan Yarbrough’s Enduring Place in Baseball
Ryan Yarbrough has carved out a unique niche in modern baseball with a pitching style that feels like a throwback in an era dominated by velocity. My experience watching baseball over the years tells me there’s something special about a pitcher who can baffle hitters without lighting up the radar gun. Major League Baseball is constantly evolving, yet a crafty lefty like Yarbrough finds a way to succeed by relying on precision, deception, and an impressive ability to induce weak contact. This article delves into the journey of Ryan Yarbrough, from his amateur days to becoming a valuable arm for multiple MLB clubs, showcasing why his unconventional approach makes him so effective.
From College to the Minors: The Path to MLB
Ryan Christian Yarbrough was born on December 31, 1991, in Austin, Texas. His baseball journey began long before he reached the bright lights of MLB stadiums. After graduating from All Saints’ Academy in Florida, he honed his skills at Santa Fe College for two years, helping them win the Mid-Florida Conference title in both 2011 and 2012. It was here that his potential as a left-handed pitcher started to become evident. His college coach, Johnny Wiggs, even recalls Yarbrough’s dad predicting his son would play in the big leagues.
He was first drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 20th round of the 2013 MLB draft but opted not to sign. Returning to college, he transferred to Old Dominion University, where he pitched for the Monarchs in 2013 and 2014. His performance earned him attention again, and in 2014, the Seattle Mariners selected him in the fourth round of the MLB draft. This time, Yarbrough signed, beginning his professional ascent through the minor league system. His time in the minors, particularly with the Durham Bulls, the Tampa Bay Rays’ Triple-A affiliate, saw him put up solid numbers, including a 13-6 record with a 3.43 ERA in 26 starts in 2017, which earned him a spot on the Rays’ 40-man roster.
Shining in Tampa Bay: The “Bulk Guy” Era
Ryan Yarbrough made his Major League Baseball debut with the Tampa Bay Rays on March 31, 2018. The Rays, known for their innovative approach to pitching, frequently utilized Yarbrough as a “bulk guy” coming in after an “opener.” This strategy allowed him to throw multiple innings without facing the top of the opposing lineup multiple times right away. It was a role he excelled in during his early years.
His rookie season in 2018 was particularly impressive, finishing with 16 wins, the most for a rookie in franchise history and the second-most on the team that year. Over five seasons with the Rays (2018-2022), Yarbrough appeared in 127 games, posting a combined record of 40-31 with a 4.33 ERA. While his role sometimes shifted between traditional starter and bulk reliever, his ability to eat innings and keep his team in games was a valuable asset. I remember watching those Rays teams and being fascinated by how effectively they deployed their pitching staff, with Yarbrough being a key piece of that puzzle.
One notable moment during his time in Tampa Bay was in 2019 when, following an opener, he pitched six perfect innings against the Baltimore Orioles, losing the bid for a combined perfect game in the ninth inning. He also pitched in the 2020 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, appearing in three games. His tenure with the Rays came to an end after the 2022 season when he was designated for assignment and became a free agent.
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Mastering Soft Contact: Yarbrough’s Approach on the Mound
What makes Ryan Yarbrough stand out in today’s velocity-obsessed landscape? It’s his dedication to mastering soft contact and keeping hitters off balance. He isn’t going to overpower you with a triple-digit fastball; his heater typically sits in the mid-to-upper 80s. Instead, he relies on a diverse arsenal that includes a sinker, cutter, changeup, and sweeper, effectively mixing speeds and locating pitches to induce weak ground balls, pop-ups, and frustrated swings.
Think of it like a game of chess rather than a pure power struggle. Yarbrough is constantly thinking one step ahead, using movement and deception to neutralize powerful hitters. His low arm slot also creates an unusual angle that can be challenging for batters to pick up. Metrics back this up; he consistently ranks among the league leaders in preventing hard contact and limiting average exit velocity. In fact, in 2024, his average exit velocity allowed ranked in the 99th percentile. This ability isn’t about racking up strikeouts – though he can certainly punch guys out when needed – but about making hitters uncomfortable and forcing them into easily fieldable outs.
A Stop in Kansas City and a Scary Moment
After his time with the Rays, Ryan Yarbrough signed a one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals for the 2023 season. His tenure in Kansas City, while relatively short, included a terrifying moment that highlighted the inherent risks in baseball. On May 7, 2023, Yarbrough was struck in the head by a 106.2 mph line drive off the bat of Ryan Noda.
It was a scary scene that silenced the stadium. Thankfully, he was alert and able to walk off the field with assistance, but he was later diagnosed with non-displaced fractures around his right eye. Witnessing an injury like that puts everything into perspective; the human element is always present in this game. Despite the severity of the injury, Yarbrough worked diligently to return, rejoining the active roster in July. He pitched in 14 games for the Royals, including seven starts, posting a 4-5 record with a 4.24 ERA in 51 innings.
Joining the Dodgers and Earning a Ring
At the 2023 trade deadline, the Kansas City Royals traded Ryan Yarbrough to the Los Angeles Dodgers. This move provided the Dodgers with a valuable multi-inning relief option as they geared up for a postseason push. Yarbrough embraced this role, pitching in 11 games (two starts) for the Dodgers in 2023, compiling a 4-2 record with a 4.89 ERA.
He re-signed with the Dodgers for the 2024 season, agreeing to a $3.9 million contract in arbitration. During the 2024 season, he proved to be a crucial and increasingly rare asset: a pitcher who could consistently provide length out of the bullpen. Manager Dave Roberts often praised his ability to handle multiple innings, a role that’s become less common in modern bullpens built around high-velocity specialists. While he was traded before their World Series victory, Yarbrough’s contributions during the regular season earned him a World Series ring from the Dodgers, which he received in 2025.
A Brief But Effective Stint with the Blue Jays
Just before the 2024 trade deadline, the Dodgers traded Ryan Yarbrough to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for Kevin Kiermaier. Though his time in Toronto was brief, he was remarkably effective. In 12 appearances for the Blue Jays, he posted an impressive 1-0 record with a 2.01 ERA across 31.1 innings. His unique style provided a stark contrast to the hard-throwing relievers common in most bullpens, making him a difficult matchup for hitters.
As one article put it, facing Yarbrough after a flamethrower is like “now for something completely different.” This ability to disrupt timing and force weak contact proved highly valuable for Toronto in the late stages of the season. After the 2024 season concluded, Yarbrough elected free agency.
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Finding a Home in New York: The Latest Chapter
In March 2025, Ryan Yarbrough signed a one-year contract with the New York Yankees. Initially seen as depth, Yarbrough quickly proved to be much more, especially with injuries impacting the Yankees’ rotation. He transitioned into a starting role at times and continued to baffle hitters with his signature style.
His performance in New York has turned heads, with his ability to limit hard contact remaining a standout trait. Reports highlight his high percentile rankings in average exit velocity and hard-hit rate allowed. My personal observation watching him pitch for the Yankees is that he seems incredibly confident in his approach, even against the league’s best hitters. A prime example was his start against his former team, the Dodgers, in June 2025, where he dominated their potent lineup. The Yankees have effectively leveraged his unique skill set, proving that there’s still plenty of room for pitchers who prioritize craftiness over pure velocity in today’s game.
Yarbrough’s Influence and What Comes Next
Ryan Yarbrough’s career is a testament to the fact that success in baseball isn’t limited to one mold. His ability to thrive as a soft-throwing lefty in an age of power pitching showcases adaptability and skill. He’s been a reliable arm for multiple organizations, demonstrating the value of a versatile pitcher who can start, work in the middle innings, or provide length out of the bullpen.
His journey, including overcoming a significant injury, speaks to his resilience. Looking ahead, as long as he can continue to command his pitches and keep hitters off balance, Yarbrough figures to be a valuable contributor. His specific skill set is particularly useful for teams looking for pitchers who can handle multiple innings and disrupt the rhythm of opposing lineups. Baseball-Reference.com provides a wealth of data that further illustrates his performance metrics over his career. His ability to suppress hard contact, even without elite velocity, is a modern analytical advantage.
- Career MLB record: 56-40
- Career ERA: 4.14
- Known for inducing soft contact and a unique low-slot delivery.
- Played for Rays, Royals, Dodgers, Blue Jays, and Yankees.
Maintaining his health and continuing to refine his pitch mix will be key to his future success. In a game that’s always seeking an edge, a pitcher like Yarbrough, who offers something different, will likely continue to find opportunities.
Ryan Yarbrough’s Enduring Place in Baseball
In conclusion, Ryan Yarbrough has forged a successful and durable Major League Baseball career by embracing a pitching style that contrasts sharply with many of his contemporaries. From his beginnings as a promising college arm to becoming a reliable and often unhittable pitcher for the Rays, Royals, Dodgers, Blue Jays, and now the Yankees, his journey is a fascinating study in adaptability and the power of unique skills. Ryan Yarbrough’s effectiveness, built on deception, command, and a knack for soft contact, proves that there’s more than one way to succeed on the big league mound. As someone who appreciates the nuances of pitching, I have a feeling we’ll be seeing Yarbrough continue to frustrate hitters for seasons to come.