Syosset Native Pitcher Earns Yankees Spring Training Invite

Harrison Cohen, a 26-year-old right-handed reliever, gets chance to compete for roster spot

Feb. 18, 2026 at 2:47pm

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Harrison Cohen, a 26-year-old right-handed relief pitcher from Syosset, New York, has been invited to the New York Yankees' spring training camp in Tampa, Florida. Cohen, an undrafted free agent signed by the Yankees in 2022, has impressed in the minor leagues and is now getting a shot to make the big-league roster.

Why it matters

Cohen's invitation to Yankees spring training represents a major opportunity for the Long Island native to turn his childhood dream of playing for the storied franchise into a reality. As a non-roster invitee, Cohen will have to prove himself against other prospects vying for a spot on the Yankees' Opening Day roster.

The details

After a standout college career at George Washington University, where he was named team co-MVP in 2020 and earned All-Conference Second Team in 2022, Cohen was signed by the Yankees as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He quickly rose through the minor league ranks, impressing at the Double-A and Triple-A levels in 2023 and 2025. Cohen's dominant performance at the highest minor league level, including a 1.57 ERA over 28 2/3 innings with the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, earned him national recognition as the Yankees' 18th overall prospect and 14th-ranked pitcher.

  • Cohen was signed by the Yankees as an undrafted free agent in 2022.
  • He pitched at the Double-A and Triple-A levels in 2023 and 2025.
  • Cohen will leave the Yankees' spring training camp early to represent Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic, with Israel's first game against Venezuela on March 7.

The players

Harrison Cohen

A 26-year-old right-handed relief pitcher from Syosset, New York, who was signed by the New York Yankees as an undrafted free agent in 2022 after a standout college career at George Washington University.

Greg Ritchie

The head coach of the George Washington University baseball team, where Cohen played college baseball.

Nate Weiser

A Yankees analyst who has described Cohen as "one of the most unhittable relievers in the minors over the last two seasons."

Brendan Samson

An MLB.com writer who sees Cohen as one of the top eight non-roster invitees at Yankees spring training.

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What they’re saying

“We couldn't be more proud of everything Cohen's accomplished since graduating. From his first day on campus, he was always a competitor, and it's no surprise he's turned into a top-level prospect in the MLB through his work ethic and drive to be great.”

— Greg Ritchie, Head Coach, George Washington University Baseball (longislandpress.com)

“Representing Team Israel at the World Baseball classic is a wonderful opportunity for Cohen. We wish him the best of luck at the WBC and the upcoming pro season as well.”

— Greg Ritchie, Head Coach, George Washington University Baseball (longislandpress.com)

What’s next

Cohen will leave the Yankees' spring training camp early to represent Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic, with Israel's first game against Venezuela on March 7.

The takeaway

Cohen's invitation to Yankees spring training represents a remarkable opportunity for the Long Island native to turn his childhood dream into a big-league reality. His journey from undrafted free agent to top Yankees prospect showcases the power of hard work, determination, and perseverance in the pursuit of one's athletic aspirations.