New York Yankees Farm System: The Yankees system is loaded with pitching upside and developmental success stories, but their hitting crop leans toolsy and volatile, with real questions about how much contact and consistency will emerge.
Summary
The Yankees’ farm system continues to offer a wide range of developmental stories, from high-upside athletes to role-specific contributors. Several prospects—such as George Lombard Jr., Spencer Jones, and Dillon Lewis—showcase exciting power-speed combinations, although each comes with caveats regarding contact quality, swing decisions, or defensive fit. Others, like Brendan Jones and Dax Kilby, offer more subtle value through zone control, instincts, and base-running efficiency. Across the board, the system reflects a mix of physical tools and evolving baseball skills, with fantasy relevance often hinging on approach refinement and level-to-level adjustments.
On the pitching side, the Yankees have leaned into depth and projection. Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz and Bryce Cunningham stand out for their command and sequencing, while arms like Ben Hess and Kyle Carr offer mid-rotation potential with room to grow. Carlos LaGrange continues to tease us with a 100 MPH fastball, but needs better control to remain a starter.
Overall, the system is solid with some of the best pitching in the minor leagues. I hope that Jones gets the call early in 2026. I really want to see how he does at the highest level.
AI-Assisted Fantasy Tiers: Methodology and Observations
AI has made significant strides in all aspects of our lives. Over the past four years, I have compiled 500,000 words of personal scouting narratives, which have formed the foundation for training my own AI assistant. This assistant now evaluates prospects and assigns fantasy tiers exclusively based on the insights and observations contained in my write-ups.
After requesting that my AI assistant generate fantasy tiers using this year’s reports, I found that the AI’s rankings generally align with my own assessments. However, there are some cases where the AI’s evaluations differ from my personal rankings. I am sharing those differences here for your consideration.
🥇 Tier 1: Fantasy Impact Targets
- George Lombard Jr. – Plus athlete with zone control, speed, and projection; future fantasy contributor at SS.
- Spencer Jones – 30/20 upside with elite EVs; contact issues cloud path to impact.
- Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz – Starter traits, command, and sequencing; lacks flash but projects as rotation piece.
- Carlos Lagrange – Electric stuff with reliever risk; cutter/fastball combo could dominate in short bursts.
🥈 Tier 2: Everyday-Upside Targets
- Dax Kilby – Strong debut with more speed than originally projected; power continues to be a question mark
- Bryce Cunningham – Mid-rotation upside with pitchability and polish; lacks standout weapon but throws strikes.
- Dillon Lewis – Power and speed; a rare sleeper in the Yankees system
🥉 Tier 3: Outside of the Impact/Everyday Targets
To see the reset of the tiers, become a Patreon subscriber at Patreon.com/prospect361.
2026 Player Profiles
1. George Lombard Jr. (SS)
- Highest Level: Double-A ETA: 2026-27 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 15 SS
- Last Updated: 12/02/2025
- Tools Summary: Plus athlete with zone control, speed, and projection; future fantasy contributor at SS.
George Lombard Jr. comes with pedigree—his father played parts of nine MLB seasons—but the son’s upside is clearly higher. He’s a polished hitter with advanced strike zone awareness and plus speed, swiping 39 bases in 2024. The swing is geared for contact, and while the exit velocities aren’t there yet, the frame suggests future strength. If he fills out, projecting above-average power feels reasonable, and a 20+ stolen base floor makes him a potential fantasy asset.
Double-A proved challenging. Lombard’s ability to read spin and drive the ball lagged, and he struggled to make consistent hard contact. He just turned 20 in June, so the age-to-level context matters—but repeating Double-A in 2026 adds risk. Getting stronger is key, and spending time in the Yankees’ Video Reality lab this offseason to sharpen pitch recognition seems like a logical step. The tools are intact, and the foundation remains strong.
Fantasy managers should treat Lombard as a high-upside middle infield prospect with plus speed, zone control, and physical projection. The Double-A dip reflects growing pains more than long-term concern, and if the strength gains arrive, he could grow into a 15/25 contributor with everyday upside. He’s a priority stash in dynasty formats—betting on athleticism, makeup, and a skill set that could pop quickly.
2. Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz (RHP)
- Highest Level: Double-A ETA: 2026-27 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 45 SP with upside or Closer
- Last Updated: 12/02/2025
- Tools Summary: Starter traits, command, and sequencing; delivery could point to a reliever role.
Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz (ERC) was initially drafted by the Red Sox as a projectable teenager in the fourth round of the 2021 Draft. As he’s filled out and gained strength, his velocity has climbed—he now routinely hits the upper 90s with his sinker, averaging 95–97 MPH. His delivery comes from a lower three-quarters slot with a slingy look, which introduces some reliever risk, but he’s shown solid command and feel for sequencing.
He’s primarily a sinker-curveball pitcher, leaning heavily on the sinker. The curveball, shaped by his arm angle, has significant horizontal movement and may eventually be classified as a slurve. He also throws a splitter, though not often, and with more repetition, it could develop into a plus pitch. The ingredients are there—velocity, movement, and a starter’s frame. Whether he sticks in the rotation will depend on strike throwing and pitch development.
Fantasy managers should treat ERC as a high-upside arm with starter traits and bullpen fallback. If the command holds and the splitter emerges, he could pitch near the top of a rotation. If not, the sinker-curve combo gives him a path to late-inning impact. Either way, it’s a great arm to track in dynasty formats.
3. Spencer Jones (OF)
- Highest Level: Triple-A ETA: 2026 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 45 OF
- Last Updated: 12/02/2025
- Tools Summary: 30/20 upside with elite EVs; contact issues cloud path to impact.
Spencer Jones offers a tantalizing blend of power and speed that fantasy managers dream about. He finished second in the minors with 35 home runs and added 29 stolen bases in 2025, flashing true impact upside. His .371 BABIP helped buoy a .274 average, but that’s unlikely to hold—his swing-and-miss issues are real, and a .230 batting average is a plausible outcome. The tools are loud, but the contact risk will be a persistent concern.
At 6-foot-6, Jones draws inevitable comparisons to Aaron Judge, but the swing is longer and more vulnerable. He struggles to handle pitches on the inner third, regardless of velocity, and his bat speed—while sufficient to generate elite exit velocities—doesn’t allow him to consistently catch up to premium heat. The swing path creates loft, but also leaves him exposed to strikeouts, which spiked to a 36.6% K-rate in Triple-A. The power is real, but the whiff rate will shape his ceiling.
Fantasy managers should treat Jones as a volatile but potentially elite contributor in formats that reward slugging and speed. He could be a 30/20 threat even with a subpar batting average, and if the contact rates stabilize, he’s a difference-maker. The floor is low, but the ceiling is worth chasing—especially if you build around him strategically.
4. Carlos Lagrange (RHP)
- Highest Level: Double-A ETA: 2027 Fantasy Ceiling: Closer or Top 45 SP with upside
- Last Updated: 12/02/2025
- Tools Summary: Electric stuff with reliever risk; cutter/fastball combo could dominate in short bursts.
Carlos Lagrange opened 2025 with just five starts in Low-A, posting a 6.86 ERA, but the Yankees pushed him aggressively to High-A, where he struck out nearly 14 batters per nine across eight starts. By midseason, he was in Double-A, overpowering hitters with elite raw stuff. His fastball sits 97–98 MPH and touches 100, with a spin rate north of 2500 RPM—making it extremely difficult to square up. His mid-90s cutter is his out-pitch, generating vicious bite and high whiff rates, and he complements it with a broader, slower slider. The changeup is a clear weakness, and platoon splits are beginning to show.
At 6-foot-6, Lagrange is all arms and legs coming downhill. There’s athleticism in the delivery, but it’s inconsistent—when he loses his mechanics, the control suffers. That said, the command should improve over time. If he reaches average control, he’ll be effective. If he goes beyond that, watch out. Right now, he’s overpowering hitters with pure stuff, but the next step is learning to pitch—starting with developing a weapon against glove-side bats.
Fantasy managers should treat Lagrange as a high-upside arm with starter traits and dominant relief fallback. If the changeup comes and the delivery tightens, he could grow into a mid-rotation weapon with elite strikeout potential. If not, the fastball-cutter combo gives him a path to late-inning impact. Either way, the raw stuff is electric and worth betting on.
5. Dax Kilby (SS)
- Highest Level: Low-A ETA: 2028-29 Fantasy Ceiling: Middle Infielder
- Last Updated: 12/02/2025
- Tools Summary: Strong debut with more speed than originally projected; power continues to be a question mark
Dax Kilby was the Yankees’ first pick in the 2025 draft (No. 39 overall), a young high school shortstop with a contact-oriented swing and mature approach. His game speed and exit velocity are average, but his swing decisions and defensive instincts stand out—traits that suggest he could move quickly through the system. While the fantasy tools aren’t loud on the surface, comps to George Lombard Jr. remind us that projection can unlock more than expected.
Kilby got off to an excellent start in his pro debut, stealing 16 bases in his first 18 games in Low-A. That kind of early production, paired with zone control and instincts, makes him a player to watch closely. The Yankees’ analytics department has a strong track record of unlocking hidden value, and Kilby’s profile fits the mold—high IQ, adaptable skill set, and physical room to grow.
Fantasy managers should treat Kilby as a developmental middle infielder with sneaky upside. The contact skills and emerging speed give him a strong foundation, and if the physicality trends upward, he could become a more complete contributor than expected. He’s a smart early stash in deeper formats, especially if the power begins to show.
6. Ben Hess (RHP)
- Highest Level: Double-A ETA: 2027 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 60 SP with upside
- Last Updated: 12/02/2025
- Tools Summary: Big arm with reliever lean; fastball/slider combo could play in high-leverage.
Ben Hess was the Yankees’ first-round pick in 2024, and he’s made meaningful strides since signing. While the draft class lacked depth, Hess has outperformed early expectations and now projects as a potential No. 4 starter—maybe more. His upside draws parallels to Will Warren: not overpowering, but durable, efficient, and trending upward.
Hess’s fastball tops out at 95 MPH, so the raw stuff is modest. That said, he has a strong frame and a plus curveball, along with a workable changeup and a slider he sequences well. He showed the ability to repeat his delivery, but a high walk rate suggests inconsistency across outings. Refining the changeup and throwing more consistent strikes will be crucial to unlocking his full potential.
Fantasy managers should treat Hess as a mid-rotation prospect with room to grow. He’s not flashy, but the pitch mix, frame, and developmental trajectory point to a reliable starter with sneaky upside. If the command sharpens and the changeup takes a step forward, he could exceed expectations and become fantasy-relevant in deeper formats.
7. Bryce Cunningham (RHP)
- Highest Level: High-A ETA: 2027 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 50 SP
- Last Updated: 12/02/2025
- Tools Summary: Mid-rotation upside with pitchability and polish; lacks standout weapon but throws strikes.
Bryce Cunningham, the Yankees’ second-round pick in 2024, opened his pro career with a strong showing at High-A Hudson Valley. Despite two IL stints with a LAT strain that cost him two months, he returned in mid-August and finished the season on a high note. Across 12 games (11 starts), he posted a 2.82 ERA, struck out a batter per inning, and walked just 3.1 per nine—impressive numbers for a debut campaign.
Cunningham works with a fastball that averages 94–95 MPH and touches 97, but his best weapon is a 70-grade changeup that overwhelmed High-A hitters. The pitch has real fade and deception, and it’s the foundation of his success. He also mixes in a slider and shows solid sequencing, though the changeup is clearly the out pitch. The fastball plays well off it, and the overall arsenal is trending up.
Fantasy managers should treat Cunningham as a rising arm with a plus changeup and mid-rotation upside. If the command continues to sharpen and the changeup holds against advanced bats, he could climb quickly and become fantasy-relevant in deeper formats. The early returns are promising, and the pitch mix gives him a strong foundation to build on.
8. Chase Hampton (RHP)
- Highest Level: DNP ETA: 2027 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 60 SP
- Last Updated: 12/02/2025
- Tools Summary: Injuries stalled momentum, but swing-and-miss traits still offer mid-rotation potential.
Chase Hampton last pitched in August 2024 before being diagnosed with a flexor strain that led to a torn UCL and Tommy John surgery. He missed the entire 2025 season and won’t return to game action until mid-2026. The missed time and surgery add significant risk to his profile, especially with Hampton approaching age 25 when he resumes pitching.
When healthy, Hampton features a deep arsenal: a fastball in the 92–94 MPH range, a slider, a sweeper, a cutter, and two variations of a changeup. Most of the pitches grade out as average, but the slider and sweeper flash plus potential. What elevates the package is his ability to throw strikes and sequence effectively—traits that allow his stuff to play up despite modest velocity.
Fantasy managers should treat Hampton as a post-injury stash with mid-rotation traits and sequencing upside. If the command returns and the secondaries regain their shape, he could settle into a stable rotation role. It’s not a flashy ceiling, but it’s a realistic one—especially if he stays healthy and continues to throw strikes.
9. Dillon Lewis (OF)
- Highest Level: High-A ETA: 2027 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 60 OF with upside
- Last Updated: 12/02/2025
- Tools Summary: Power and speed; a rare sleeper in the Yankees system
Dillon Lewis was one of just 15 minor leaguers to post a 20-20 season in 2025, coming within a few home runs of reaching 25-25. It was a breakout year for the 22-year-old outfielder, who showcased impact tools and strong in-game instincts. He hits the ball hard and is a true 60-grade runner, going 24-for-26 on stolen base attempts. The power-speed combo is real, and the foundation is stronger than expected.
His approach has some chase risk, especially against off-speed pitches, but he posted a 10% walk rate and kept his strikeouts in check at 23%. The swing has lift, and the bat speed is solid, though he’ll likely face pressure on his batting average as he climbs. Double-A will be the separator, and he should spend most of 2026 at that level. If the contact quality holds, the profile becomes even more intriguing.
Fantasy managers should treat Lewis as a power-speed outfield prospect with everyday potential in deeper formats. He’s not a star-level projection, but the tools and instincts give him a path to value. If the approach tightens and the hit tool holds, he could carve out a 15/20 role with upside.
10. Kyle Carr (LHP)
- Highest Level: Double-A ETA: 2027 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 60 SP
- Last Updated: 12/02/2025
- Tools Summary: Lefty with command and pitchability; backend starter traits with limited fantasy ceiling.
Kyle Carr was the Yankees’ third-round pick in 2023 out of Palomar College, and after repeating High-A in 2025, he delivered a strong season. Over 22 st
arts, he posted a 1.96 ERA, showing improved command and pitchability. A late-season promotion to Double-A didn’t go as well—he struggled across three starts with an 8.56 ERA—but the overall trajectory remains encouraging.
Carr’s arsenal is led by a 92–93 MPH sinker (T94) that generates consistent weak contact but limits his strikeout upside. His best pitch is an 84 MPH sweeper that he disguises well, producing ugly swings and giving him a legitimate bat-missing weapon. The changeup is solid-average, and he hasn’t shown any notable platoon splits—another positive sign for his long-term role. He throws strikes, sequences well, and has enough movement to keep hitters off balance.
Fantasy managers should treat Carr as a back-end starter with a usable floor and sneaky depth value. He’s not overpowering, but the pitch mix and sequencing give him a path to innings and stability. If the Double-A adjustment comes and the strikeouts tick up, he could become a reliable fantasy contributor in deeper formats.
