Yankees make disappointing MLB roster move on flamethrowing 0.66 ERA prospect

Feb 21, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Carlos Lagrange (84) throws a pitch against the Detroit Tigers during the second inning in a Spring Training game at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

The New York Yankees are looking to be World Series contenders in the upcoming 2026 MLB season, and if there were one part of the roster with a question mark, it might be the starting rotation.

Carlos Rodon and Gerrit Cole are coming back from injury, and the rest of the rotation, other than Max Fried, has some question marks about their ability. They should be fine, but getting all of the help they can get couldn't hurt.

That's why fan favorite flame-throwing prospect Carlos Lagrange was a popular choice to make the Opening Day roster. However, according to MLB.com's Bryan Hoch, Aaron Boone announced a disappointing roster move, that Lagrange didn't make the MLB roster.

Yankees' Carlos Lagrange doesn't make MLB roster

"Carlos Lagrange has been reassigned to minor league camp, Aaron Boone said," Hoch reported Thursday afternoon.

This decision from the Yankees, despite a possible need for more rotation or even bullpen help, is a big disappointment.

There aren't many prospects who've garnered the hype that Lagrange has this spring, with only Konnor Griffin and Kevin McGonigle comparing around the league.

This spring, Lagrange has made four starts, posting a remarkable 0.66 ERA across 13.2 innings pitched. He has 13 strikeouts and a WHIP of 0.73. With a 102 mph fastball and some great breaking pitches, it's no wonder he's been dominating this spring.

More: Konnor Griffin projected to make Pirates Opening Day roster by two analysts

Lagrange is only 22 years old, and he has a great 2025 season in the minor leagues at Double-A that could justify him making the MLB roster, especially with this stellar spring training.

At Double-A, Lagrange had a 3.22 ERA across 15 starts (16 games total) with 104 strikeouts across 78.1 innings pitched.

Sending Lagrange back to the minor leagues to begin the year, after his dominance this spring, is a big disappointment for Yankees fans.

While there wasn't a clear spot on the roster for him, with how dominant he's looked so far this year, finding a way to bring him to the MLB roster would've made a lot of sense.

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