Jake Bird Struggles with Yankees Leading to Nationals Trade

Jake Bird struggled during the 2026 season with the New York Yankees, posting an F-grade performance with a 5.93 ERA across 30.1 innings in 36 games. Acquired at the 2025 trade deadline, Bird battled command issues and failed to secure a permanent role in the bullpen. He was ultimately traded to the Washington Nationals on August 2 in a deal that brought impact bat Luis García to New York. Bird enters the 2027 arbitration projected for $1.3 million.