The Yankees are working on larger items — notably, trying to sign premier Japanese starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto — but they are filling out the depth in their system, too.
The Yankees are close to bringing back outfielder Billy McKinney and pitcher Anthony Misiewicz on minor league pacts, The Post confirmed. The contracts were not yet signed as of Friday morning.
YES Network first reported the development.
The 29-year-old McKinney showed some promise last season, when he emerged in June as a much-needed bat for a hurting club but faded down the stretch.
The lefty swinger and solid outfielder finished with a respectable .726 OPS in 48 games and projects next season as insurance for a team that has needed it in the past.
Billy McKinney is re-signing with the Yankees. Jason Szenes for the NY PostMisiewicz pitched in three September games with the Yankees before taking a line drive to the head and landing in a hospital and then on the concussion injured list.
The 29-year-old is a journeyman who debuted in 2020 with the Mariners and has since pitched for the Royals, Diamondbacks and Tigers preceding the Yankees.
Anthony Misiewicz pitching for the Yankees in 2023. Getty ImagesThe lefty reliever holds a lifetime 4.71 ERA in 114 ²/₃ innings.
The only bullpen lefties on the Yankees’ 40-man roster are Nick Ramirez and Matt Krook.
