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Lagrange Today
By the People, for the People
Yankees Phenom LaGrange Boasts Unique Fastball
The 22-year-old right-hander's 100 mph heater with 18 inches of vertical break could make him a dominant starter.
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
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Carlos LaGrange, a 22-year-old right-handed pitching prospect for the New York Yankees, has a fastball unlike any other in baseball. In his Spring Training debut, LaGrange was throwing 100 mph fastballs with an astounding 18 inches of vertical break, a combination that is extremely rare for a starting pitcher. The Yankees are giving LaGrange a chance to stick in the rotation, rather than immediately moving him to the bullpen like many expect, as his unique stuff could make him a dominant starter if he can harness his control.
Why it matters
LaGrange's fastball profile is so unique that it's typically only seen in relief pitchers, not starting pitchers. If the Yankees can develop LaGrange as a starter, he could become a true difference-maker in their rotation with his elite velocity and movement.
The details
In 2025, LaGrange split the season between High-A and Double-A, posting a 3.53 ERA with 12.6 strikeouts per 9 innings but also 5.2 walks per 9 innings. The Yankees are giving him a chance to stick as a starter this spring, as his fastball is generating headlines - he recently struck out star hitter Aaron Judge with a 102.6 mph heater. Experts believe that if LaGrange can improve his control just enough, his special fastball could make him a dominant starting pitcher.
- LaGrange made his Spring Training debut on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
- In 2025, LaGrange spent the season between High-A and Double-A.
The players
Carlos LaGrange
A 22-year-old right-handed pitching prospect for the New York Yankees, known for his unique 100 mph fastball with 18 inches of vertical break.
Aaron Judge
A star hitter for the New York Yankees who was struck out by LaGrange's 102.6 mph fastball in a live at-bat during Spring Training.
Dellin Betances
A former Yankees relief pitcher who is used as a comparison for the type of pitcher LaGrange could become if he ends up in the bullpen.
What they’re saying
“Basically no starting pitchers in the sport have this profile. It's all relievers. That's why the Yankees will give Lagrange the rope to see if he can stick as a starter”
— Chris Kirschner, Reporter (The Athletic)
What’s next
The Yankees will continue to evaluate LaGrange this spring to determine if he can harness his control enough to remain in the starting rotation, or if he may be better suited for a relief role where his unique fastball could dominate out of the bullpen.
The takeaway
LaGrange's rare fastball profile, featuring elite velocity and extreme vertical movement, is the type of stuff that could make him a dominant starting pitcher if he can improve his control. The Yankees are giving him every opportunity this spring to prove he can stick in the rotation, as his upside as a starter is immense.
