**Done Deal: Yankees Sign Reds’ Graham Ashcraft to Two-Year Contract**
In a surprising move, the New York Yankees have reached an agreement to sign Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Graham Ashcraft to a two-year contract. The deal, announced today, is seen as a strategic addition to bolster the Yankees’ rotation as they head into the 2024 season.
Ashcraft, 26, has been a key member of the Reds’ pitching staff since making his MLB debut in 2021. Known for his heavy sinker and ability to generate ground balls, the right-hander is coming off a solid 2023 campaign where he posted a 4.00 ERA with 115 strikeouts in 154.2 innings. His pitching style has often been effective in limiting home runs, which has made him a valuable asset in a hitter-friendly ballpark like Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park.
For the Yankees, who have struggled with pitching depth in recent years, Ashcraft’s acquisition could help solidify a rotation that already includes Gerrit Cole and Luis Severino, among others. The team has been in search of a durable, reliable arm to complement their star-studded roster, and Ashcraft’s ability to pitch deep into games could be a key factor in the club’s playoff aspirations.
Ashcraft’s deal is expected to come with incentives tied to performance and team success, with a potential option for a third year based on future performance. The Yankees are betting on Ashcraft’s continued development and hope that his ground-ball-heavy approach will translate well at Yankee Stadium, especially with the added defense the team is expected to improve behind him.
The signing signals the Yankees’ commitment to improving their pitching staff for the long haul, as they aim to return to championship contention in the coming seasons.
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