Fernando Cruz

Fernando Cruz and the New York Yankees have avoided arbitration and the righthander is scheduled to make $1.45 million in 2026.

Fantasy Impact

Cruz has pitched parts of four seasons at the major league level between the Reds and Yankees. The righthander, who will turn 36 in March, has swing-and-miss stuff as evidenced by his career 36.1% strikeout rate. However, his career ERA of 4.28 across 195.1 innings is much higher than you'd like to see out of a late-inning reliever. Cruz will again serve as a setup man for closer David Bednar in 2026.

Fernando Cruz failed to record an out Tuesday, allowing five runs on two hits and three walks in the Yankees’ loss to Detroit.

Fantasy Impact

Cruz’s ERA rose to 3.76 with a 1.13 WHIP across 40 2/3 innings this season. While he’s shown strong strikeout ability with 65 Ks, his control issues and inconsistent usage limit his fantasy appeal outside of deeper leagues that count holds.

The Yankees activated RHP Fernando Cruz from the 15-day injured list.

Fantasy Impact

Cruz officially makes his return from an oblique injury. He should return a middle relief role in the Yankees bullpen.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced that Fernando Cruz could be activated from the injured list either on Sunday or Monday.

Fantasy Impact

Cruz made his fourth minor league rehab appearance on Friday, throwing 18 pitches over 1.1 innings. Despite posting a 12.27 ERA during the assignment, Boone feels Cruz is ready to be activated in the next couple of days.

Fernando Cruz is scheduled to make a four-out appearance in the minors on Friday.

Fantasy Impact

If all goes well during Cruz's outing on Friday, the expectation is that he will be activated for the series against the Washington Nationals, which begins on Monday.