Get ready to witness the future of baseball, because the Yankees are once again rolling out the red carpet for their top prospects this spring! But here's the real question: which of these young stars will rise to the occasion and become the next Anthony Volpe or Cam Schlittler? The Yankees have a knack for spotting talent, and this year's non-roster invitees (NRIs) are no exception. Let's dive into the five prospects you absolutely need to keep an eye on this spring, along with a few others who could surprise everyone.
In recent years, the Yankees have made it a tradition to invite their most promising prospects to big league camp, giving them a taste of the majors and a chance to shine. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about showcasing talent—it's about accelerating their development and seeing who can handle the pressure. The 2026 cohort is particularly exciting, featuring New York’s top two prospects, George Lombard Jr. (MLB No. 32) and Carlos Lagrange (MLB No. 79), alongside a group of pitching prospects who could soon crack the club’s Top 30.
But let’s not forget the history here: In 2023, the Yankees invited Top 100 prospects Anthony Volpe and Jasson Domínguez to camp. Volpe not only made the Opening Day roster but also became the youngest Yankee to start on Opening Day since Derek Jeter in 1996. Talk about setting the bar high! More recently, Cam Schlittler went from NRI to a key player in the Bronx. So, who’s next in line?
1. George Lombard Jr. – The Shortstop Phenom
Lombard has spent his career facing older competition, and he’s more than held his own. Last season, he smashed two homers in Spring Training before dominating High-A with a .329/.495/.488 slash line over 24 games, earning a promotion to Double-A before turning 20. At Double-A, he faced players 3.5 years older and posted a .695 OPS with eight homers, despite striking out 26.4% of the time. Here’s the kicker: despite the struggles, Lombard showed flashes of brilliance. He added strength to his 6-foot-2 frame, improved his bat speed, and remained a standout defender while stealing 35 bases. His 87 walks led the Yankees’ system, proving his advanced plate discipline. Could he be the next big thing at shortstop?
2. Carlos Lagrange – The Towering Flame-Thrower
Standing at 6-foot-7 with a four-seamer that touches triple digits, Lagrange is the kind of pitching prospect teams dream about. Last season, he doubled his career-high in starts, posting a 3.53 ERA and 1.20 WHIP over 24 appearances (23 starts) while reaching Double-A. His 168 strikeouts in 120 innings ranked third in the Minors, and his 12.6 K/9 was among the best. But here’s where it gets controversial: while his 70-grade four-seamer (97-99 mph with carry and armside run) is elite, can he develop his secondary pitches to become a dominant starter? If he does, watch out—he could be untouchable.
3. Hess – The High-Ceiling First-Rounder
Selected in the first round in 2024 despite a 5.80 ERA in his lone healthy season at Alabama, Hess’s 34.8% strikeout rate caught the Yankees’ eye. The gamble seems to be paying off. In his first pro season, he fanned 139 batters in 103 1/3 innings, holding opponents to a .177 average. Last season, he reached Double-A, posting a 2.70 ERA and 0.95 WHIP over seven starts. With a four-seamer, curveball, slider, and changeup, Hess has the tools to dominate. But the question remains: can he stay healthy and consistent enough to reach his full potential?
4. Beck – The Comeback Kid
Beck, who will pitch for Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic, has battled multiple elbow injuries since being drafted in the second round in 2021. After Tommy John surgery in 2021 and further elbow issues in 2023, he returned last season with a 1.82 ERA and 0.92 WHIP at Double-A over 11 appearances. However, his Triple-A stint was up-and-down. Here’s the debate: at 27, is Beck’s window closing, or is he just hitting his stride? If he stays healthy, he could be a late-blooming star.
5. Carr – The Left-Handed Dark Horse
The only left-hander on this list, Carr bounced back last season after a rough pro debut. At High-A, he posted a 1.96 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with 104 strikeouts over 22 starts. While he struggled after a late-season callup to Double-A, his High-A performance suggests he’s ready for another shot. The big question: can Carr refine his command and secondary pitches to become a reliable starter?
Others to Watch:
- Harrison Cohen (RHP): The 26-year-old reliever will pitch for Israel in the WBC. Last season, he posted a 1.76 ERA and 1.10 WHIP across Double-A and Triple-A. Could he be the bullpen’s secret weapon?
- Michael Arias (RHP): Originally signed as a shortstop, Arias has electric stuff but struggles with control. After being DFA’d by the Cubs, he’s looking to rebound in New York’s system.
- Ernesto Martinez Jr. (1B): At 6-foot-6, 254 pounds, Martinez has raw power but has yet to tap into it consistently. If the Yankees can unlock his potential, he could be a game-changer.
Now, over to you: Which of these prospects do you think will make the biggest impact in 2026? And is there anyone we missed who deserves a spot on this list? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
