Kirk Cousins’ cousin is headed to the Yankees.
The Bombers announced Sunday night that they have acquired right-handed pitcher Jake Cousins from the Chicago White Sox for cash.
Cousins, 29, is the cousin of star NFL quarterback Kirk, who recently signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons that includes $100 million guaranteed.
Cousins was drafted by the Nationals in the 20th round of the 2017 MLB Draft while Kirk was still playing in Washington, and the four-time Pro Bowler sent a shoutout to his cousin afterward.
“Congratulations to my cousin Jake, who was drafted by the Washington Nationals today! There’s room for another Cousins in DC!” Kirk wrote about X at the time.
Cousins spent most of last season in the minors with the Brewers and Astros’ Triple-A affiliates before signing a minor league deal with the White Sox.
Last year, he pitched in nine major league relief games with Milwaukee, posting a 4.82 ERA with seven strikeouts and 10 walks.
Cousins struggled in the minors with a 7.30 ERA in 13 games with Triple-A Nashville, but the Astros took him off waivers and assigned him to Triple-A Sugar Land, where he appeared in 15 games and posted a 6.00 ERA. .
However, he has also had some success in the majors, pitching to a 2.70 ERA in both 2021 and 2022.
Kirk joined the Falcons in March after spending the past six seasons with the Vikings.
The 35-year-old ruptured his Achilles tendon in Week 8, ending his season.
The 2012 fourth-round pick threw for 23,265 yards, 171 touchdowns and 55 interceptions during his time at Minnesota, leading the Vikings to two playoff appearances.
