The Yankees' Bullpen Blues: Could These 5 Prospects Be the Answer in '26?
Yankees fans are holding their breath, eagerly awaiting a blockbuster move to shake up the offseason. But what if the solution to their pitching woes is already brewing within the organization? While the spotlight shines on free agents like Cody Bellinger, Bo Bichette, and Kyle Tucker, the Yankees' bullpen took a significant hit last season with the departures of Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, Mark Leiter Jr., and Ian Hamilton. But here's the twist: the Yankees might not need to look far to fill that void in 2026. Their farm system is brimming with talented arms, some of whom are knocking on the door to the Bronx.
Here are five pitching prospects who could make a significant impact in the big leagues next season:
1. Carlos Lagrange, RHP (MLB No. 74 / NYY No. 2)
Despite battling injuries in 2023 and 2024, the 6-foot-7, 248-pound righty soared to Double-A Somerset last season. Lagrange's blazing 102 mph fastball, paired with a refined slider, cutter, and changeup, makes him a force to be reckoned with. In 16 Double-A games (15 starts), the 22-year-old posted a 3.22 ERA with 104 strikeouts and a .185 opponent batting average. Expect him to start 2026 at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, with a potential MLB debut on the horizon. And this is the part most people miss: his command improvements could make him a dominant starter sooner than expected.
2. Brendan Beck, RHP (NYY No. 11)
The Yankees' 2021 second-round pick from Stanford has faced injury setbacks, including Tommy John surgery in 2021 and elbow issues in 2024. However, a healthy Beck dominated the Minors in 2025, posting a 1.82 ERA and 0.92 WHIP at Double-A before a late-season fade at Triple-A. At 27, he could compete for a bullpen spot in Spring Training. But here's where it gets controversial: can he stay healthy and sustain his early-season dominance over a full MLB campaign?
3. Eric Reyzelman, RHP (NYY No. 26)
Reyzelman is a wildcard. After a stellar 2024 with a 1.16 ERA across three Minor League levels, he struggled in 2025 with a 4.29 ERA and 42 walks at Triple-A. Which version will show up in 2026? When he's on, his arsenal is MLB-ready, but consistency is key. A thought-provoking question: Is Reyzelman a future ace or a flash in the pan?
4. Cade Winquest, RHP (NYY No. 30)
The Yankees' first Rule 5 pick since 2011, Winquest boasts a five-pitch mix, including a mid-90s fastball and a devastating curveball with a 46% swing-and-miss rate. Splitting 2025 between High-A and Double-A, he went 5-7 with a 3.99 ERA, striking out 110 in 106 innings. As a Rule 5 pick, he must stay on the 26-man roster or return to St. Louis. But here's the catch: can he refine his control and become a reliable starter or reliever?
5. Harrison Cohen, RHP
Though recently dropped from the Yankees' Top 30 Prospects list, Cohen's performance speaks for itself. After a dominant 2024 with a 1.35 ERA across three levels, he continued to shine in 2025 with a 1.76 ERA in 49 games at Double-A and Triple-A. His up-tempo delivery and low arm slot create deception, though control remains a challenge. A controversial take: Could Cohen's unique style make him an underrated bullpen weapon in 2026?
Final Thoughts: The Yankees' pitching future looks bright, but questions remain. Can these prospects step up and fill the bullpen void? Will injuries or inconsistency derail their progress? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think these prospects are the answer, or should the Yankees look elsewhere? The debate is open!
