Yankees DFA Veteran Utility Man After Surprisingly Short Stint In Organization

The New York Yankees have been pretty busy lately.

New York is looking to contend in 2024 and the club clearly has shown that this offseason. The Yankees made arguably the biggest trade of the offseason by landing superstar slugger Juan Soto in a trade with the San Diego Padres.

The Yankees have also made a handful of moves this offseason to boost organization depth. New York continued adding Monday and claimed former Houston Astros and Toronto Blue Jays hurler Matt Gage and designated utility man Diego Castillo for assignment to make room on the roster, according to the club. 

"Earlier today, the Yankees claimed (left-handed pitcher) Matt Gage off waivers from the Houston Astros," the club said. "To make room on the 40-man roster, the Yankees designated (infielder/outfielder) Diego Castillo for assignment."

Castillo began his professional career after signing with the Yankees as an international free agent in 2014. He worked his way up the Yankees' farm system but was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021 in a trade centered around Clay Holmes. He eventually made his big league debut with the Pirates in 2022 and was then traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks ahead of the 2023 season. 

The 26-year-old appeared in 124 games with the Triple-A Reno Aces and slashed .313/.431/.410 with 33 doubles and 72 RBIs. He was designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks after the 2023 campaign came to an end and was claimed off waivers by the New York Mets. He was designated for assignment by the Mets and landed with the Yankees but now will be looking for a new home.