The New York Yankees are on a slide right now. They’re collectively struggling, and it’s time to look at the bullpen, specifically the closer role. Lately, the name Carlos Lagrange has floated amongst closer talks.
The reality of it is the Yankees do not have a closer issue. That was refreshing to say, as the past few seasons have been a rollercoaster in the back end of the bullpen; after years of struggling with closer options, the Yankees are comfortable.
Bad Yankees Closers of Past
That being said, it’s never wise to be comfortable, as they’ll one day be put in an uncomfortable position. It’s been done before, where Aroldis Chapman was one of the best in the game, and that page turned with struggle and turmoil.
Clay Holmes was spot on for a while until a switch flipped, and high-pressure situations revealed his true colors. Holmes and the Yankees then parted ways after a brief, short relief stint. Luke Weaver was the short-term fill-in.
Weaver was then relieved of the closer duties as the Yankees signed Devin Williams. That signing evidently became a failure, as the trust of Williams diminished throughout the course of his first season.
The club traded mid-season to replace Williams. They received David Bednar, who currently holds down the ninth inning for the Yankees. Although he’s been solid for the club so far, the Yankees’ track record speaks for itself.
The need for a backup is real; could Lagrange be that guy? Despite a recent sidelining due to injury, his future could be bright as the stopper.
Carlos Lagrange Is Giving Closer Vibes in the Bullpen Right Now
A right-shoulder scapular strain is what sits Lagrange at the moment for up to six weeks. When he returns, his advancement to the Major Leagues will be anticipated. His role will need to be determined.
Right now, Lagrange is working out of the bullpen in the minor leagues, and he’s fitting in very well. His overall numbers seem mediocre, as he’s competing for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre triple-A.
Lagrange has a 1-4 record in 11 starts. He’s pitched in 18 total games with 63 and 1 / 3 innings pitched. The right-hander has only allowed 32 earned runs and 10 home runs and has only walked 33 batters, striking out 83.
Despite the justifiable minor league statistics, Lagrange fits the description as a high-leverage reliever and a closer. His overall stature as a player paints him with the elite brush, backed by his overall elite numbers.
His fastball is the start of this idea, as it works within 97-99 mph, touching up to 102 mph. Lagrange holds that “blow-by-you” heater, locates well, and is a strikeout machine. He misses a lot of bats on the high velocity alone.
His high-spin slider, which is his out pitch, is ranked a 60 on the grade scale, as is his fastball. The right-hander also has a cutter and a changeup, which are also very reliable. Lagrange’s put options are very appropriate to use in high-leverage situations.
The Yankees prospect did get a taste of the closer role in the minors in early June. Lagrange worked in three innings, throwing six fastballs north of 101 mph and striking out three.
The Last Word
A Yankee right-handed prospect may not fit a starter role, as his long-term effectiveness and health may not project well. He does fit more of a closer role and could be the answer in the future for the team’s stopper spot.
Main Image Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
