Yankees fans are on edge, desperately hoping for a blockbuster move that will shake up the team this offseason. But what if the biggest impact doesn't come from a high-profile free agent signing? What if the future of the Yankees pitching staff is already brewing in their minor league system? It might sound crazy, but it's entirely possible.
While names like Cody Bellinger, Bo Bichette, and Kyle Tucker dominate the headlines, let's not forget that the Yankees lost some key bullpen pieces last season. The departures of Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, Mark Leiter Jr., and Ian Hamilton leave significant innings – and crucial outs – to replace. But here's where it gets controversial... instead of opening up the checkbook, the Yankees might just fill those gaps from within. And honestly, that might be a smarter long-term strategy.
So, who are these potential saviors? Who are the arms in the Yankees' farm system poised to make a splash in the Bronx as early as 2026? Let's dive into five pitching prospects who could be making a major impact sooner than you think:
1. Carlos Lagrange, RHP (MLB No. 74/NYY No. 2)
There's a palpable buzz around Carlos Lagrange, and for good reason. This towering 6-foot-7, 248-pound righty possesses a fastball that can touch a blistering 102 mph. But he's not just a thrower; he's a pitcher. Lagrange rapidly ascended to Double-A Somerset last season, despite facing setbacks with injuries in 2023 and 2024. And this is the part most people miss... it wasn't just his velocity that impressed. He's diligently refined his slider, cutter, and changeup, developing each into plus-pitches while simultaneously improving his command. In 16 Double-A games (15 starts), the 22-year-old showcased his potential with a 3.22 ERA, a staggering 104 strikeouts, and a paltry .185 average against in 78 1/3 innings. Expect him to start the season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, putting him within striking distance of a major league call-up.
2. Brendan Beck, RHP (NYY No. 11)
Brendan Beck, the Yankees' 2021 second-round pick out of Stanford, has faced significant hurdles since being drafted. Injuries, including Tommy John surgery in late 2021, have limited him to only parts of two seasons on the field. He was shut down again for the entirety of the 2024 campaign with more elbow issues. However, with a clean bill of health in 2025, Beck demonstrated the potential that made him a high draft pick. He dominated Double-A, posting a 1.82 ERA, a 0.92 WHIP, and a .193 average against over 54 1/3 innings. His promotion to Triple-A on June 22nd saw him falter a bit at the end of the season. But here's the thing... it’s possible that was simply fatigue after throwing 131 1/3 total innings after only recording 34 total innings two years prior. At 27, Beck could be battling for a spot in the Yankees' bullpen during Spring Training.
3. Eric Reyzelman, RHP (NYY No. 26)
Eric Reyzelman, the right-hander out of LSU, is a bit of an enigma heading into 2026. He followed up a dominant showing in the minors in 2024 with a disappointing 2025. So, the question is: which version of Reyzelman will we see? Is it the pitcher who posted a 1.16 ERA with a 0.96 WHIP, a .136 average against, 63 strikeouts, and 19 walks over 38 2/3 innings across three minor league levels in 2024? Or is it the pitcher who amassed a 4.29 ERA and 42 walks over 42 innings at Triple-A this past season? Only time will tell. But here's what we know: Reyzelman possesses the raw stuff to be a weapon. If he can harness his command, he could certainly earn a look if the Yankees' pitching staff is depleted next season.
4. Cade Winquest, RHP (NYY No. 30)
There's a definite reason why the Yankees made Winquest their first Rule 5 pick since 2011. The organization has been tracking him since his days at the University of Texas at Arlington, where he transitioned from a hitter to a full-time pitcher. Yankees assistant general manager Michael Fishman even told MLB.com that Winquest was next on the club’s board after taking Cam Schlittler in the seventh round of the 2022 MLB Draft, but they didn't have the opportunity to draft him then. Winquest features a mid-90s fastball, a devastating upper-70s curveball, and a low-80s slider as part of his five-pitch arsenal. In 2025, he split time between High-A Peoria and Double-A Springfield, going 5-7 with a 3.99 ERA in 25 games (23 starts). He allowed 105 hits, struck out 110 batters in 106 innings, and walked 39. His curveball is his bread and butter, holding opponents to a minuscule .143 batting average with an impressive 46% swing-and-miss rate. As a Rule 5 pick, Winquest must remain on the Yankees’ 26-man roster for the entire season or else be offered back to St. Louis for half of his $100,000 selection price. That means the Yankees are heavily invested in giving him a chance.
5. Harrison Cohen, RHP
While Harrison Cohen was recently bumped off the Yankees' Top 30 Prospects list, it wasn't due to poor performance. After an impressive 2024 campaign in which the 26-year-old righty posted a 1.35 ERA with a 0.90 WHIP, a .163 average against, and 29 strikeouts to only nine walks over 26 2/3 innings across three levels of the minors (including 12 games at High-A), Cohen continued his success into the upper levels of the minors last season. Across 49 games in Double-A and Triple-A, the George Washington University product amassed a 1.76 ERA and a .151 average against while fanning 59 over 51 total frames (49 appearances). Cohen utilizes an up-tempo delivery with a high leg kick, dropping and driving towards the plate with a low arm slot. This combination provides deception but can also hinder his control at times, which was evident in 2025 when he walked a career-high 30 batters. Still, his stuff is good enough that he could snag a bullpen spot with New York out of Spring Training if he performs well.
So, there you have it: five potential pitching prospects who could be contributing to the Yankees as early as 2026. But here's the question I want to pose to you: Do you think the Yankees should rely on these prospects to fill the holes in their bullpen, or should they pursue established free agents? And which of these prospects do you think has the best chance of making a significant impact in the Bronx? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
