The New York Yankees look flawless right now to start their season. From all points, they’ve shown positive traits. One thing they should’ve done was add Carlos Lagrange to the active opening-day roster.
This Yankees Prospect Should Have Been in the Major Leagues Already
Thus far, the Yankees’ bullpen has appeared stunning. We’re only days into the season; however, this positive is long overdue. Yankees management, fans, and followers understood how volatile the relief situation is.
The bullpen has gone days without allowing any runs. One name that should be a part of this saga is Lagrange. It was obvious that the Yankees prospect should have been in the Yankees’ grey for opening day.
This spring, Lagrange showed many positive, competitive details beyond his numbers. He finished spring training with 16 and 1 / 3 innings of work with a 4.96 ERA in five games, two starts with a 1-1 record.
Lagrange allowed 10 runs, nine earned on 15 hits, three home runs, only three walks, and 17 strikeouts. Overall, the right-hander’s makeup was solid, along with his physical attributes and metrics.
He’s worked all the way up to 103.1 mph on his fastball, along with a consistency at 100 mph. These metrics are ridiculously exciting and scream Major League quality. If all these signs are showing, then what’s the wait for?
Yankees Prospect Carlos Lagrange Should Be In the Big Leagues Soon
Lagrange would’ve been on this roster already if it weren’t for a few considerations. The first main concern is service time. As with most prospects, the later they’re brought up to the Major Leagues, the better it is for the club.
The Yankees would maintain greater control over Lagrange, as his service time would not yet have started. This pushes back his free agency date. In this case, they can only do that for so long until he’s needed with the club.
Development priorities are probably their main concern. Lagrange has shown tremendous output as a pitcher, but there are still minor things he needs to iron out. Command is one thing, and pitch logic is the other.
He should be able to work these things out in the Minor Leagues and solidify his pitching ability before being in a more pressing situation. Lagrange also needs more Triple-A time before getting his call to the show.
Roster Depth and Load Management
Currently, the Yankees employ nine stellar relievers in their bullpen. So far, the ERA from the bullpen has been phenomenal, and effectiveness is not a concern. There is no rush for the prospect to be up at the moment.
Load management is another consideration for the Yankees and Lagrange. The key to his overall success in the next year or two is to minimize his innings and workload to keep him physically healthy.
The other reason is to introduce him into successful situations where his confidence is elevated. Confidence in pitching in the Bronx is key; load management will ensure his mindset is right.
These reasons are why Lagrange is still in the farm system, as he awaits his big break with the big club.
Main Photo Credits: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
