Brett Phillips, former MLB outfielder, is headed to the Yankees as a pitcher, according to The Post’s Jon Heyman.
The position player turned hurler signed with the Bronx Bombers on Tuesday after hitting 97 mph on the radar gun during a semi-pro game Monday.
Phillips will join the Yankees’ farm system as he looks to return to the big leagues at his new position, per reporter Francys Romero.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that Phillips reported to the Yankees’ Single-A Tampa affiliate.
The 30-year-old spent seven years in the majors as an outfielder with the Brewers, Royals, Rays, Orioles and Angels.
Phillips, a sixth round pick by the Astros in 2012 MLB Draft, hit .187/.272/.347 with 31 home runs in 971 career plate appearances.
Perhaps most valuable on the bases and in the field as a position player, Phillips stole 39 bases and tallied 37 Outs Above Average in the outfield during his career.
He flashed an excellent arm in the field, averaging 91.7 mph on throws from the outfield, per Statcast, which he’s taken with him to the mound.
Phillips made five cameos on the rubber throughout his career before officially transitioning to being a pitcher, posting a 15.19 ERA in what was effectively garbage time.
He had the game-winning hit for the Rays in Game 4 of the 2020 World Series against the Dodgers in perhaps the biggest highlight of his big-league career.
Phillips signed with the White Sox last offseason but was released in May.
The Yankees hope Phillips can eventually contribute to a bullpen that has struggled of late, posting a 4.35 ERA, which is ninth-worst in the majors, since June 1.