New York Yankees bolster minor league pitching depth by acquiring Houston Astros right-handed pitcher Sanchez

The New York Yankees today strengthened their minor league pitching depth via a trade, acquiring right-handed reliever Wilmy Sanchez from the Houston Astros for infielder Braden Shewmake.

At 22 years old, Sanchez ranked second in the Astros farm system with seven saves in the 2025 season and third with 46 appearances. This season at AA Corpus Christi, he posted a 1.29 ERA over five games.

Sanchez signed as an undrafted free agent from the Dominican Republic in May 2022. Over his minor league career spanning 105 games (including six starts), he has accumulated 8 wins, 6 losses, 10 saves, and a 3.80 ERA. Across 189.1 innings, he allowed 162 hits, 97 runs (80 earned), with 124 walks and 248 strikeouts.

The 28-year-old Shewmake played 10 games at AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this season, recording a slash line of .250/.314/.313 with 8 hits in 32 at-bats.

Shewmake was nearly promoted to the major league last June when catcher J.C. Escarra was placed on the paternity leave list. Manager Aaron Boone noted that Shewmake missed the call-up opportunity due to injury.

Shewmake was removed from the 40-man roster after passing through waivers in February. He previously reached the major league with the Braves in 2023 and the White Sox in 2024, totaling 8 hits in 68 at-bats with a .118 batting average.