Yankees Spring Training Roster Brings Familiar Questions, Fresh Hope, and a Few Long Shots
It’s early February, but in the Bronx, the countdown to baseball has already begun. The Yankees just released their list of 27 non-roster invitees to spring training, bringing the total number of players heading to Tampa to 67. That’s a big crowd - and a telling one.
This year’s invite list is less about star power and more about possibilities. It’s a mix of veterans looking for one more shot, prospects trying to break through, and depth pieces hoping to stick. In short, it’s a snapshot of modern roster-building: low-risk gambles, upside plays, and a whole lot of “we’ll see.”
Veteran Flyers: DeJong, Brown, and the Bench Battle
Two names stand out right away: Paul DeJong and Seth Brown. Not because they’re marquee additions, but because they represent the kind of bets the Yankees have made before - and will likely keep making.
DeJong, once a promising slugger in St. Louis, has become a baseball journeyman.
He’s shown flashes - including 24 homers in 2024 - but last year was a different story. Just six home runs and a 76 wRC+ paint the picture of a bat that’s cooled off significantly.
Still, the Yankees are clearly intrigued by his power potential, especially in a utility role. If DeJong makes the Opening Day roster, it could signal that younger infielders aren’t quite ready - or that budget flexibility isn’t what it used to be in the Bronx.
Seth Brown is another intriguing case. He was once a staple in Oakland’s lineup, known for punishing right-handed pitching.
But consistency has eluded him. He’s the kind of player who could hit a few bombs in March and suddenly become the talk of camp.
We've seen that story before - and it usually ends with a quiet DFA before the summer heat rolls in. Still, as a left-handed bat who can handle both corner outfield and first base, he’s worth a look.
The Yankees aren’t expecting either of these guys to carry the offense. But in a long season, depth matters. And if either one can recapture some of their past production, they could be valuable bench pieces.
The Youth Movement: Lombard Jr., Lagrange, and High-Upside Arms
While the veterans draw the headlines, the real excitement in camp might come from the kids. George Lombard Jr. is the name to watch.
He’s still young and raw, but the tools are real - and so is the buzz. He’ll be tested this spring, both by the competition and by the pace of big-league camp.
But if he holds his own, it could accelerate his timeline in a hurry.
Then there’s Carlos Lagrange, a right-hander with a triple-digit fastball and the kind of raw stuff that turns heads. He’s not polished yet, but the Yankees have a track record of developing high-octane arms into real bullpen weapons. Lagrange likely starts the year in the minors, but a dominant spring could put him on the radar for a call-up sooner than later - especially with how fragile bullpens can be over 162 games.
Ben Hess is another name worth watching. Like Lagrange, he’s part of a group of young arms that could form the next wave of Yankee pitching depth.
They might not break camp with the team, but their presence puts pressure on the veterans. That internal competition is exactly what spring training is supposed to provide.
Behind the Plate: Depth, Defense, and a Little Insurance
Catcher is a position where depth can disappear fast, and the Yankees are clearly preparing for that possibility. Abrahan Gutierrez, picked up in the Triple-A phase of the Rule 5 Draft, is a name that might not ring many bells now - but he could become a factor. He’s got a strong arm and solid instincts behind the plate, and in a system where catching depth has been tested in recent years, every option matters.
He’ll be joined in camp by Payton Henry and Ali Sánchez, giving the Yankees multiple fallback plans in case injuries hit. It’s a tough position to stay healthy at, and the front office is clearly trying to avoid a midseason scramble for a backup who can handle a big-league staff.
The Wild Card: Marco Luciano
Every spring has its mystery man - and this year, that’s Marco Luciano. Not long ago, he was one of the most hyped prospects in the Giants’ system. Now, he’s a non-roster invitee trying to find his swing and his footing in a new organization.
Luciano still has the tools. If he can tap back into the form that once made him a top prospect, he could be the best player in this group.
But that’s a big “if.” For now, he’s a wildcard - the kind of player who could either make a serious push for a roster spot or quietly fade out of the picture by the time April rolls around.
What It All Means
This camp isn’t just about getting reps and shaking off rust. For a lot of these players, it’s a make-or-break moment.
Some are fighting for one last shot at the majors. Others are trying to prove they belong.
And a few - like Lombard Jr. and Lagrange - are looking to kick the door down and force the Yankees to make room.
It’s a familiar formula: veterans looking to rebound, prospects pushing the envelope, and a front office trying to squeeze value out of every corner of the roster. Not every name on this list will matter come Opening Day. But a few might - and that’s what makes this time of year so compelling.
Spring training is about hope, opportunity, and a little bit of chaos. And with 67 players in camp, the Yankees are embracing all three.