The Yankees didn’t exactly light up the offseason with splashy moves, but that doesn’t mean they’re heading into 2026 empty-handed. With Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham returning as the most notable additions, it’s fair to say the Bronx Bombers didn’t swing for the fences in free agency. But don’t let the quiet winter fool you-this team still has the firepower to contend in the American League and make a serious push come October.
Yes, there are questions-particularly in the bullpen and back end of the rotation-but there are also intriguing answers brewing in the farm system. One name that’s starting to generate real buzz: Carlos Lagrange.
The 22-year-old right-hander is drawing comparisons to Cam Schlittler, who burst onto the scene in 2025 after a rapid rise through the minors. If Lagrange can follow a similar path, the Yankees may have another high-octane arm ready to make an impact by midseason.
At 6-foot-7 and 248 pounds, Lagrange already looks the part of a big-league power pitcher. He brings a fastball that lives in the upper 90s, and he’s not just a one-trick pony-he’s got a developing arsenal of secondary pitches that can keep hitters off balance. Last season, he posted a 3.53 ERA with a nasty 33.4% strikeout rate, showing flashes of dominance that have scouts and analysts taking notice.
The biggest hurdle? Command.
Like many young flamethrowers, Lagrange will need to tighten up his control to make the leap. But that’s not a deal-breaker.
Schlittler faced similar issues before refining his mechanics and making the jump to the Bronx. If Lagrange can follow that blueprint, the Yankees could have a valuable weapon on their hands-whether that’s as a late-inning reliever or a spot starter down the stretch.
He’s not expected to crack the Opening Day roster, and that’s fine. The Yankees are playing the long game here.
What matters is how Lagrange progresses through the early months in the minors. If he keeps missing bats and shows improved command, it’s only a matter of time before he gets the call.
When he does, Aaron Boone could have another high-leverage arm to turn to in the second half-just like he did with Schlittler last year. And in a season where every inning could matter, that kind of internal boost might be just what the Yankees need to tip the scales in their favor.
So while the headlines this offseason may not have screamed “blockbuster,” don’t sleep on what’s happening behind the scenes. Carlos Lagrange might not be a household name yet-but if things break right, he could be one of the biggest stories in the Bronx by season’s end.