New York Yankees sign former Toronto Blue Jays right-handed pitcher

Hours after signing shortstop Paul de Jong to a minor league contract, the Bronx Bombers have added right-handed pitcher Adam Kloffenstein on a similar deal.

The news was posted to the team's transaction page in late December.

Insider Ari Alexander reports that Kloffenstein's deal also includes an invite to Spring Training.

The TToronto Blue Jays originally drafted Kloffenstein in the third round and 88th overall selection of the 2018 Major League draft. While his first full professional season in the organization went well, he was laid up for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and then struggled to regain his form in 2021.

After finding his footing in 2023, he was ultimately traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in a deal that saw Jordan Hicks come to Toronto.

He made history during his major league debut in 2024, becoming the only player to make his debut in the state of Alabama, as he pitched a scoreless inning of relief in the legendary Rickwood Field game that honoured the Negro Leagues and Willie Mays.

It is only major league appearance.

The Blue Jays brought him back on a minor league deal in 2025, but Kloffenstein suffered an injury in Spring Training and never really got on track.

At the same time their deal with Kloffenstein was announced, it was also noted that the Yankees signed catcher Payton Henry. While it's not known if he received a similar invite to Spring Training, he will likely be around when pitchers and catchers report about six weeks time.

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