The Yankees did not tender Leiter a contract for 2026 on Friday, making him a free agent.
The right-hander was expected to net around $3.75 million in his second year of arbitration, which the Yankees apparently weren't interested in paying. Leiter recorded two saves and 16 holds during the 2025 regular season but wasn't particularly reliable with a 4.84 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in 59 outings.