Former New York Yankees pitcher Domingo Germán is set to make a comeback to the pitching mound in 2024. Contract negotiations are underway with six teams, as reported by Mark W. Sanchez of the New York Post.
The Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Mets are among the interested teams, with the Mets considered the least likely to sign Germán, according to Sanchez.
While a deal is not imminent, two teams have already extended offers to Germán, according to Sanchez. Germán, who spent his entire seven-year career with the Yankees, became a free agent in November after rejecting a minor league assignment.
In the 2023 season, Germán faced challenges as he was placed on the restricted list by the Yankees in August and voluntarily entered a treatment program for alcohol abuse.
The 31-year-old pitcher participated in only 20 games (19 starts) during the season. This decision followed reported incidents in the team clubhouse, including confrontations with teammates and manager Aaron Boone, flipping over a couch, and smashing a television.
The Wall Street Journal’s Lindsey Adler revealed that Germán, found to be under the influence of alcohol, was placed in the team’s nap room under security watch while the rest of the roster prepared to face the Tampa Bay Rays.
Mark W. Sanchez reports that Germán has successfully completed the required steps of an inpatient treatment program and continues to voluntarily check in with professionals periodically to ensure his progress.
According to a source, Germán is doing well, working hard, and has distanced himself from previous distractions, putting him in a positive place.
This clubhouse incident is the second off-field issue during Germán’s tenure with the Yankees. Previously, he was suspended for 81 games in the 2019 and pandemic-shortened 2020 seasons for violating MLB’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse Policy.
Germán’s 2023 season had its ups and downs, with an ejection in May for failing a sticky substance examination and a subsequent 10-game suspension. However, he rebounded about a month later by pitching a perfect game in an 11-0 victory over the Oakland Athletics.
Germán finished the season with a 5-7 record, a 4.56 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 114 strikeouts across 108.2 innings. His career stats include a 4.41 ERA in 112 games, with 89 starts.
