Ex-Yankees Pitcher, Former All-Star Officially Available; Reunion Could Make Sense

One former member of the New York Yankees officially is looking for a new home.

Former Yankees relief pitcher Shane Greene reportedly was designated for assignment by the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday afternoon after a surprisingly short stint, according to the club.

“The Cubs today selected (left-handed pitcher) Luke Little from the (Iowa Cubs) and designated RHP Shane Greene for assignment,” the club said.

Greene signed a minor league contract with the Cubs earlier this summer and made just eight appearances before being called up to the big leagues. The 34-year-old appeared in three games with the Arizona Complex League Cubs and five games with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs.

Overall, Greene compiled a 2.21 ERA in eight minor league outings. The righty was called up to the Cubs’ big league roster and made one appearance on September 3rd and didn’t allow a run in one inning of work.

Now that Greene has been designated for assignment, clubs will have one week to place a waiver claim on the righty. If a team does so, they would need to add him to the 40-man roster immediately. If he goes unclaimed, he can become a free agent and sign elsewhere.

Greene could be an intriguing candidate to rejoin the Yankees’ bullpen. The 34-year-old was drafted in the 15th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft and began his big league career with the club in 2014.

Greene has been a journeyman throughout his career and spent time with New York in 2022, as well. At one point, Greene was one of the top relievers in baseball and even earned an All-Star nod in 2019.

New York won’t be in the postseason this year, but it wouldn’t hurt to take a flier on Greene and see if he could make sense for the club in 2024.