Jake Bird’s arrival in pinstripes represents more than just bullpen depth, it’s a midseason upgrade. New York adds a right-handed reliever with swing-and-miss stuff and a reputation for chasing weak contact that could ignite a faltering bullpen.
He now heads to the Bronx with a fresh MLB chapter ahead. His presence signals both short-term urgency on the mound and long-term planning, all under a manageable contract that fits the team’s broader trade-deadline strategy.
With time still on his current deal, his move holds implications beyond this season. As the Yankees reinforce their roster, his role and contract become part of a broader roster blueprint heading toward 2026 and beyond.
What is Jake Bird’s salary with the New York Yankees?
Jake Bird enters the 2025 season under his pre-arbitration salary of $770,000, picked up from his previous contract with the Rockies, as Spotrac reported. That rate remains in effect as he transitions to New York after the trade deadline.
Jake Bird #59 of the Colorado Rockies throws to first during the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Coors Field on May 23, 2025. (Source: Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)
This salary sits at the league minimum, a reflection of his pre-arbitration status. Though modest compared to high-end relievers, it offers the Yankees cost control on an arm they believe can bolster their bullpen depth.
For him, this provides stability during a pivotal stage of his career: still locked under team control through 2028, he now joins a contending team while earning a salary typical for his service time.
Jake Bird’s contract: How long does the deal last?
The Yankees acquired Jake Bird with team control extending through the 2028 season, meaning they retain his rights without arbitration until that point. He is still pre-arbitration eligible in 2025, meaning he remains under fixed salary limits.
In 2026, he enters his first arbitration year, affording him potential raises. By 2029, he becomes eligible for free agency. This timeframe gives the Yankees flexibility and sustained value. A low-cost contract combined with potential upside makes him a low-risk addition during the rebuild of their relief corps.
