The Yankees ensured three minor league veterans in their system would not become free agents.
Righty Yerry De Los Santos, catcher J.C. Escarra and outfielder Taylor Trammell were added to the club’s 40-man roster on Sunday ahead of Monday’s initial day of free agency.
All three finished their 2024 seasons at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
De Los Santos is a 26-year-old who pitched in 48 games in relief with the Pirates in 2022-23.
He was signed as a minor league free agent last November and spent his season with SWB, with whom he saved four games and pitched to a 4.14 ERA while striking out 55 in 59 innings.
Escarra, 29, slashed .261/.355/.434 in 124 games with Double-A Somerset and SWB, a contact hitter who rarely struck out and can play anywhere defensively.
He played his most games at catcher but also saw time at first base, third base and both corner outfield spots.
Trammell is a 27-year-old outfielder who has played 126 games in the majors with the Mariners, Dodgers and Yankees since 2021 and has yet to hit.
The former first-round pick was claimed off waivers from the Dodgers in April and played in five games with the Yankees.
He was DFA’d in early May, cleared waivers and posted an .869 OPS with 18 home runs and 20 steals in 106 games with SWB.
Among this trio, DFAs are always possible if the Yankees need additional 40-man roster spots, but for now they remain in the system.
The Yankees do not have a Gold Glove winner.
Each finalist fell short, Anthony Volpe losing to Bobby Witt Jr., Alex Verdugo to Steven Kwan and Juan Soto to Wilyer Abreu.
