Ryan Yarbrough Bio
Ryan Christian Yarbrough is an American professional baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played for the Tampa Bay Rays, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Toronto Blue Jays. The Seattle Mariners selected Yarbrough in the fourth round of the 2014 MLB draft, and he made his MLB debut with the Rays in 2018. Yarbrough is known for his unique pitching style and has made significant contributions to his teams throughout his career.
Early Life and Background
Ryan Yarbrough was born on December 31, 1991. He graduated from All Saints’ Academy in Winter Haven, Florida, where he began to develop his skills in baseball. After high school, Yarbrough played college baseball at Santa Fe College in 2011 before transferring to Old Dominion University, where he pitched for the Monarchs in 2013 and 2014. During his senior season at Old Dominion, he recorded a 6–7 win-loss record with a 4.50 earned run average (ERA) in 18 games played. His performance caught the attention of scouts, leading to his selection in the MLB draft.
Path to Baseball
Yarbrough was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the fourth round of the 2014 MLB draft. He made his professional debut with the Pulaski Mariners and quickly progressed through the minor leagues. In 2015, he played for the Arizona League Mariners, Clinton LumberKings, and Bakersfield Blaze, compiling a combined 4–8 record and a 4.10 ERA in 22 starts. His breakout season came in 2016 when he pitched for the Jackson Generals, achieving a 12–4 record with a 2.95 ERA in 25 starts. This success paved the way for his eventual promotion to the major leagues.
Ryan Yarbrough Career
Early Career (2014–2017)
After being traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in January 2017, Yarbrough spent the 2017 season with the Durham Bulls, where he posted a 13–6 record and a 3.43 ERA in 26 starts. He made the Rays’ Opening Day roster in 2018, debuting against the Boston Red Sox on March 31. In his rookie season, Yarbrough achieved 16 wins, setting a franchise record for the most wins by a rookie. He finished the season with a 3.91 ERA over 141+1⁄3 innings, primarily working out of the bullpen.
Breakthrough (2018–2020)
Yarbrough’s breakthrough came in 2018 when he became a key player for the Rays. His ability to pitch effectively in high-pressure situations was evident during the 2020 season, where he played a crucial role in the team’s postseason run. He pitched five innings in Game 4 of the Division Series against the New York Yankees, allowing only two runs. His performance in the postseason solidified his reputation as a reliable pitcher.
Notable Works and Milestones
Ryan Yarbrough’s signature work includes his record-setting rookie season with the Tampa Bay Rays, where he won 16 games. He has also been recognized for his performance in the postseason, contributing significantly to the Rays’ success in the playoffs.
Ryan Yarbrough Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Ryan Yarbrough has been recognized for his achievements on the field, particularly during his rookie season, where he set multiple franchise records.
Ryan Yarbrough Awards Won
While Ryan Yarbrough has not received major awards, he has achieved notable milestones, including being the most wins for a rookie in franchise history with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Ryan Yarbrough Family
Ryan Yarbrough is married to Nicole, and the couple has two daughters, born in 2021 and 2023. Yarbrough’s family life is important to him, and he often shares his experiences as a father.
Personal Life
Yarbrough is a Christian and values his faith. He and his wife, Nicole, married in 2019, and they have built a family together while balancing the demands of a professional baseball career.