Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ryan Yarbrough

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 18, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Ryan Yarbrough made an impact.

Ryan Yarbrough is an American professional baseball pitcher and currently a free agent. Drafted by the Seattle Mariners in 2014, he made his MLB debut in 2018 with the Tampa Bay Rays. He has since played for the Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Yankees. Yarbrough is known for his pitching abilities in Major League Baseball.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2013: Drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers (Did Not Sign)

Ryan Yarbrough was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 20th round of the 2013 MLB draft, but he did not sign with them.

2014: Professional Debut

In 2014, Ryan Yarbrough made his professional debut with the Pulaski Mariners. He was later promoted to the Everett AquaSox, finishing the year with a 1.27 ERA and 58 strikeouts in 42+2⁄3 innings.

2014: Drafted by the Seattle Mariners

In 2014, Ryan Yarbrough was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the fourth round of the MLB draft.

2015: Played in the Minor Leagues

In 2015, Ryan Yarbrough played for the Arizona League Mariners, Clinton LumberKings, and Bakersfield Blaze, compiling a 4-8 record with a 4.10 ERA.

2016: Pitched for the Jackson Generals

In 2016, Ryan Yarbrough pitched for the Jackson Generals, achieving a 12-4 record with a 2.95 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP.

January 11, 2017: Traded to the Tampa Bay Rays

On January 11, 2017, Ryan Yarbrough was traded by the Mariners to the Tampa Bay Rays along with Mallex Smith and Carlos Vargas for Drew Smyly.

2018: Rookie Season with the Rays

In 2018, Ryan Yarbrough made the Rays' Opening Day roster and finished the season with 16 wins, the most for a rookie in franchise history and the most for a rookie in the 2018 season.

2018: MLB Debut with the Tampa Bay Rays

Ryan Yarbrough made his MLB debut with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2018.

April 24, 2019: Optioned to Triple-A

On April 24, 2019, Ryan Yarbrough was optioned to Triple-A after a poor start to the season.

2019: Pitched into the ninth inning against the Mariners

Ryan Yarbrough's complete game victory on June 3, 2021 was also his first win as a starter in the regular season since he pitched into the ninth inning against the Mariners at Safeco Field in 2019.

2020: Used Exclusively in Rotation

During the 2020 season, Ryan Yarbrough was used exclusively in the rotation due to injuries on the pitching staff. He finished with a 1-4 record and a 3.56 ERA. He also pitched in the Division and Championship series and the World Series.

June 3, 2021: Complete Game Victory Against Yankees

On June 3, 2021, Ryan Yarbrough pitched a complete game victory against the Yankees, marking the first complete game by a Rays pitcher since May 2016.

December 13, 2022: Signed with the Kansas City Royals

On December 13, 2022, Ryan Yarbrough signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Kansas City Royals.

2022: Played for the Rays

In 2022, Ryan Yarbrough made 30 appearances (nine starts) for the Rays, finishing with a 3-8 record and a 4.50 ERA. Following the season, he was designated for assignment and became a free agent.