Yankees to Lose Deceptive Relief Pitcher in Rule 5 Draft — But he Sends Clear Message About His Future

New York, NY – December 6, 2025
The MLB offseason may have only just begun, but the New York Yankees are already facing pressure on multiple fronts — from free-agency battles to quiet internal decisions that could cost them one of their most intriguing young arms. With the Rule 5 Draft just days away, reliever Harrison Cohen has emerged as the Yankees prospect most likely to be taken by another team.

Cohen, who entered the organization in 2023 as an undrafted signing, has turned himself into one of the most deceptive bullpen weapons in the Yankees’ system. His 2025 campaign — split between Double-A Somerset and Triple-A Scranton — was nothing short of dominant:
1.76 ERA, 59 strikeouts, and five saves across 49 appearances. A cutter that ties hitters up, a fading changeup that disappears on lefties, and a low-slot fastball that creates natural deception have all fueled his rapid rise.

But because Cohen was not added to the Yankees’ 40-man roster, he is eligible to be selected by any MLB club during the Rule 5 Draft on December 10. And according to analysts Sam Dykstra and Jesse Borek of MLB.com, he is the Yankee most likely to be poached.

“He ran even splits with a tight mid-80s cutter and a mid-80s changeup that plays above its velocity,” the analysts wrote. “The deception may lead to occasional command issues, but it also makes him a plug-and-play bullpen candidate for teams looking to add immediate depth.”

The prediction has stirred concern among Yankees fans, who fear the club might lose a quietly essential bullpen piece just as the front office tries to rebuild the roster around stars like Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, and Jasson Domínguez.

Still, inside the organization, Cohen’s omission from the 40-man wasn’t an indictment — it was a numbers game. The Yankees’ roster squeeze left little room, even for a breakout bullpen arm. And Cohen knows it.

In an exclusive conversation with team reporters, the 27-year-old made his feelings unmistakably clear:

“I love this organization. If it were up to me, I’d never put on another uniform. I’m not looking to leave — the only way I go is if another team forces it by taking me. I’m here for the Yankees until they tell me I can’t be.”

It’s a rare and heartfelt message from a player who, until this season, barely appeared on prospect radars. His loyalty has resonated with teammates and coaches, who see the Rule 5 chatter not as a distraction but as a reflection of how valuable Cohen has become.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman has expressed quiet optimism that Cohen will remain unclaimed, giving the club the chance to slot him into a bullpen competition heading into 2026. With his versatility — capable of long relief, middle innings, or late-game leverage — Cohen could be a valuable cost-controlled piece if he stays.

The Rule 5 Draft is unpredictable, and losing a developing bullpen arm is always a risk. But as December 10 approaches, one thing is clear:

No matter what happens, Harrison Cohen wants to be a Yankee — and he isn’t leaving unless he’s taken from them.