Columbia Baseball's Payton Soske Signs with New York Yankees
7/15/2026 1:30:00 PM | Baseball
Junior pitcher will stay in the Big Apple after inking a deal with the Bronx Bombers
NEW YORK — Columbia baseball rising-senior Payton Soske signed a free-agent contract with the New York Yankees on Monday, July 13. Soske will report to the Yankees' training facility in Tampa, Florida, before being assigned to a minor league team.
Soske made his Columbia debut in 2024, appearing in three games, including one start. The Illinois native recorded one save and struck out two batters over 3.2 innings. After missing his sophomore season due to injury, Soske played an integral role in the bullpen in 2025. He made 12 appearances, striking out 26 in 19.1 innings, and posted a 3.26 ERA to go with two saves.
This summer, Soske pitched for the Harwich Mariners in the Cape Cod Baseball League. Over six relief appearances, he compiled a 1-1 record with one hold and struck out 14 batters across 10 innings.
Additionally, former Lions pitcher Ben Wereski '20CC was acquired by the Cincinnati Reds after spending the early portion of the season with the Quad City River Bandits in the independent Atlantic League. After being assigned to AA Chattanooga, the southpaw threw six no-hit innings with eight strikeouts in his first minor league game since 2024. Wereski, who finished his collegiate career at Rutgers, earned Southern League Pitcher of the Week honors following his performance.
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For the latest on Columbia baseball, follow @CULionsBaseball on X and Instagram, and the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
Soske made his Columbia debut in 2024, appearing in three games, including one start. The Illinois native recorded one save and struck out two batters over 3.2 innings. After missing his sophomore season due to injury, Soske played an integral role in the bullpen in 2025. He made 12 appearances, striking out 26 in 19.1 innings, and posted a 3.26 ERA to go with two saves.
This summer, Soske pitched for the Harwich Mariners in the Cape Cod Baseball League. Over six relief appearances, he compiled a 1-1 record with one hold and struck out 14 batters across 10 innings.
Additionally, former Lions pitcher Ben Wereski '20CC was acquired by the Cincinnati Reds after spending the early portion of the season with the Quad City River Bandits in the independent Atlantic League. After being assigned to AA Chattanooga, the southpaw threw six no-hit innings with eight strikeouts in his first minor league game since 2024. Wereski, who finished his collegiate career at Rutgers, earned Southern League Pitcher of the Week honors following his performance.
Follow The Lions
For the latest on Columbia baseball, follow @CULionsBaseball on X and Instagram, and the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
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