According to Joel Sherman, the Yankees have signed journeyman catcher Ryan Lavarnway to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training. The team hasn’t announced the signing yet, but that’s not unusual. In recent years the Yankees have announced their minor league signings and non-roster invitees all at once a week or two before camp.
Lavarnway, 31, was once a notable prospect with the Red Sox, and he’ll provide some catching depth in the wake of Gary Sanchez’s shoulder surgery. This signing has been in the works for a few days now, possibly before Sanchez’s shoulder started barking, and the surgery might’ve ramped up the team’s efforts to get a deal done.