Top pitching prospect Elmer Rodriguez set to start Yankees' Grapefruit League opener

The 22-year-old right-hander will pitch for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The New York Yankees are set to begin their Grapefruit League schedule on Friday against the Baltimore Orioles, with top pitching prospect Elmer Rodriguez getting the start. Rodriguez, who was acquired from the Boston Red Sox last offseason, had a breakout 2025 season across three minor league levels. Several other Yankees players, including Aaron Judge, will be leaving camp next weekend to participate in the World Baseball Classic.

Why it matters

The Yankees are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season, and the performance of their top prospects like Elmer Rodriguez in spring training will be closely watched as they aim to build a contending roster for the upcoming year. Rodriguez's start in the Grapefruit League opener is an opportunity for him to showcase his skills and make a case for a spot on the major league roster.

The details

Elmer Rodriguez, a 22-year-old right-handed pitcher, will get the start for the Yankees in their Grapefruit League opener against the Orioles on Friday. Rodriguez was acquired from the Red Sox last offseason and had a breakout 2025 season, posting a 2.58 ERA with 176 strikeouts in 150 innings across High-A, Double-A, and one start in Triple-A. The Yankees are also bringing infielders Jazz Chisholm Jr., José Caballero and Amed Rosario, plus catcher Austin Wells, to the game, as they will be leaving camp next weekend to play in the World Baseball Classic. Aaron Judge, who is also leaving to captain Team USA, will make his spring debut on Saturday, starting in right field before likely serving as the designated hitter on Sunday against the Mets.

  • The Yankees are set to begin their Grapefruit League schedule on Friday, February 20, 2026.
  • Elmer Rodriguez will get the start in the game against the Orioles.
  • Aaron Judge will make his spring debut on Saturday, February 21, 2026, starting in right field.
  • Judge will likely serve as the designated hitter on Sunday, February 22, 2026, against the Mets.
  • Several Yankees players, including Judge, will be leaving camp next weekend to participate in the World Baseball Classic.

The players

Elmer Rodriguez

A 22-year-old right-handed pitcher and one of the Yankees' top pitching prospects, who was acquired from the Red Sox last offseason.

Aaron Judge

The Yankees' star outfielder who will be leaving camp next weekend to captain Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

Jazz Chisholm Jr.

An infielder who will be leaving camp next weekend to play in the World Baseball Classic.

José Caballero

An infielder who will be leaving camp next weekend to play in the World Baseball Classic.

Amed Rosario

An infielder who will be leaving camp next weekend to play in the World Baseball Classic.

Austin Wells

A catcher who will be leaving camp next weekend to play in the World Baseball Classic.

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What they’re saying

“He's one of those guys that I hadn't seen really in person, but one of those few guys you get excited to come down here and see. I think he's got a chance to be a starting pitcher in this league for a long time. That's how he profiles to me and everything I hear about him. I'm excited to see him go [Friday]. I think he's got a really bright future.”

— Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager (New York Post)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Yankees are looking to their top prospects like Elmer Rodriguez to help build a contending roster for the upcoming season, and Rodriguez's performance in the Grapefruit League opener will be closely watched as he aims to make a case for a spot on the major league roster.