Yankees' Top Pitching Prospect Impresses Aaron Judge in Live BP

22-year-old Carlos Lagrange showcases high-octane arsenal against reigning AL MVP

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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In a power vs. power matchup, the Yankees' top pitching prospect Carlos Lagrange faced off against reigning American League MVP Aaron Judge during a live batting practice session at the team's spring training facility. The 22-year-old Lagrange impressed with his high-velocity fastball, reaching 102.6 mph, and his ability to challenge one of the game's elite hitters without being intimidated.

Why it matters

This early spring training showdown between the Yankees' top pitching prospect and their superstar slugger provides a glimpse into the team's future. Lagrange's ability to hold his own against Judge, one of the most dominant hitters in baseball, suggests the young right-hander has the potential to make an impact at the major league level sooner rather than later.

The details

Lagrange, the Yankees' No. 2 overall prospect, was told to expect a three-inning live BP session on Monday morning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. When he saw that he would be facing Judge, Lagrange admitted, "Damn, it's Aaron Judge." But the young hurler quickly settled in and showcased his high-octane arsenal. In their first matchup, Judge hit a home run off a 99.3 mph fastball from Lagrange. However, the prospect bounced back, blowing a 102.6 mph heater past Judge in their second at-bat. Their third showdown ended with a deep fly ball to the warning track, with Lagrange determined to finish Judge off with heat.

  • On Monday morning, Lagrange was told to expect a three-inning live batting practice session.
  • Lagrange faced Judge three times during the live BP session.

The players

Carlos Lagrange

The Yankees' top pitching prospect, ranked No. 2 overall in their system, who impressed with his high-velocity fastball reaching 102.6 mph during the live BP session against Aaron Judge.

Aaron Judge

The reigning American League MVP and one of the game's elite hitters, who was challenged by the Yankees' top pitching prospect during the live BP session.

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What they’re saying

“That's a big thing to walk into, for a guy that hasn't been over here. And it didn't seem like a big thing to him. It's fun to watch all that unfold.”

— Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager (mlb.com)

“You can look up at the radar and see a 103 mile-an-hour fastball he threw by me. But I think it's also just the presence he has on the mound. He's a kid that we sent up some nasty lineups against us today, and he didn't care. He wanted to be out there, and he came right after us.”

— Aaron Judge (mlb.com)

What’s next

Judge is set to depart for the World Baseball Classic on February 28, while Lagrange will continue to make an impression during his first big league camp with the Yankees.

The takeaway

This early spring training matchup between the Yankees' top pitching prospect and their superstar slugger showcases the team's bright future, with Lagrange demonstrating the high-velocity stuff and fearless mentality needed to succeed at the highest level.