Sports are run by fans and emotion on the field, but off the field, it is all about business, money, and whether you are having an impact on the team or not. And if you are not, teams will not think twice to cut you off. And that is exactly what the New York Yankees have done with Cole Ayers.

He posted on his Instagram, telling, “Unfortunately, I was released from the Yankees this weekend, 6 months into Tommy John Rehab… give your everything to a game, an organization, 26 years healthy never missed a game till the inevitable TJ, but it’s just business.”

Cole Ayers signed a minor league deal with the Yankees back on June 6, 2022 June 6th. He was assigned to the FCL Yankees the same day and began his journey. By 2024, Ayers had gotten to Double-A Somerset after promotions from Hudson Valley and Tampa.

In 2025, he had to split his time between Somerset and Hudson Valley, and he recorded 32 appearances. But his numbers in 2025 were very concerning.

In 2025, he had an ERA of 4.42 across 38.2 innings and finished with a 1-1 win/loss record. His strikeout rate also dropped from 10.91 to 7.91K per nine. The Walk rate also had a sharp rise to 5.35 from 3.64. He was placed on the 7-day injured list on August 16, 2025, during those struggles.

By March 17, 2026, Somerset placed him on the 60-day injured list, confirming a serious injury situation. As revealed by Cole Ayers himself, he had gone through Tommy John Surgery and has been recovering from it, and is 6 months through the required 12-16 months. The Yankees released him on March 28, 2026, shortly after placing him on the long-term IL.

Across the minors, he had an ERA of 3.91 in 186.1 innings. Although he in 2024, he posted a decent ERA of 3.36, he was never consistent. It might look like this was a business deal from the Yankees, and they let a weak candidate go. Although it is harsh to judge someone based on their minor league career, the numbers don’t give any confidence either.

Other pitchers the Yankees released

It wasn’t just Cole Ayers who had been released by the Yankees. There have been 4 more releases. The New York Yankees began trimming roster spots after the opening weekend of the 2026 season. They have released 4 pitchers from their system.

With none of the pitchers having any chance of making a major league appearance with the Yankees in 2026, and after internal evaluation, these releases were made.

Mason Vinyard posted a 4.05 ERA at Double-A Somerset during the 2025 season. He also had a brief Triple-A stint, but his numbers did not improve. At 26 years old, his age and average results reduced his chances of further development.

Cole Zaffiro recorded a 4.42 ERA at Single A Tampa in the 2025 season. Gus Hughes had a 3.80 ERA at Single A, showing promise, but was still released. Alexis Paulino remained in the Florida Complex League and did not make the higher levels at all.

Teams often release players when performance does not match promotion standards across other teams in the majors. For fans, these moves may feel harsh, but if a team has to improve its farm system, it will have to go by stats and not emotions.