With the deadline so as to add gamers to 40-man rosters approaching at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, two eligible Yankees prospects are assured safety from the Rule 5 Draft.
That might be Spencer Jones and Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz, top-100 prospects who ended the 2025 season at Triple-A. Each might affect the Yankees in 2026 if they continue to be a part of the group. Jones’ probabilities of doing so have been talked about by Brian Cashman a number of occasions this offseason, although his timeline may very well be impacted by the free agent selections of Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham, in addition to Jasson Domínguez’s standing with the Yankees.
“He’s earned, without a doubt, the look in the competition, but again, it all depends on how many opportunities exist based on the decisions that come out of this winter,” Cashman stated of Jones, a 2022 first-round choose who has been figuring out at Yankee Stadium not too long ago. “But he’s put himself in a position to be considered a potential everyday major leaguer in 2026.”
Tasked with repeating Double-A final 12 months after a strikeout-heavy season in 2024, Jones put collectively a monstrous 2025 marketing campaign. With a promotion to Triple-A earned halfway by the 12 months, the 24-year-old crushed 35 house runs whereas hitting .274 with a .932 OPS, 80 RBI and 29 stolen bases.
Nevertheless, Jones nonetheless struck out at a 35.4% clip whereas battling again spasms, and his 72% in-zone contact fee would have been the worst within the majors. The middle fielder’s speed-power combo is tantalizing, however these metrics make it robust to foretell what sort hitter he will likely be within the huge leagues, particularly together with his 6-7 body.
Rodriguez-Cruz, in the meantime, thrived throughout his first season within the Yankees group after being acquired from the Purple Sox in a commerce for Carlos Narváez final winter.
“ERC” quickly shot up the ranks, starting his 12 months at Excessive-A, shining there and at Double-A, and making his last begin of the season at Triple-A. All in all, the right-handed starter ended up with an 11-8 report, 2.58 ERA, 57 walks and 176 strikeouts over 150 innings.
In an ideal world, Rodriguez-Cruz would get extra time to develop at Triple-A subsequent season. Nevertheless, what the Yankees do that winter – and their well being – might as soon as once more have an affect.
The group is already set to begin the season with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt on the injured listing. That leaves the Yankees’ rotation with Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, Luis Gil and Ryan Yarbrough, who agreed to a one-year cope with the group on Monday.
Cashman can be clever so as to add some skilled beginning pitching depth, particularly since extra accidents can at all times pop up within the spring and early elements of the season. However he’s additionally famous that he’ll need some roster flexibility when his injured starters return. Yarbrough matches that mildew already, however that might additionally create a chance for a teenager like Rodriguez-Cruz.
“Will he pitch in the big leagues next season?” Kevin Reese, the Yankees’ vp of participant improvement, questioned in September. “I think it’s fair to say he will be amongst those competing with a realistic shot.”
Whereas Jones and Rodriguez-Cruz are locks for the 40-man roster and Rule 5 safety, they don’t seem to be the one eligible prospects heading into Tuesday.
Chase Hampton, as soon as thought-about a top-100 prospect himself, is an fascinating candidate for cover. The righty would have seemingly made his MLB debut already if not for accidents during the last two seasons, together with a Tommy John operation final spring.
Hampton’s surgical procedure, ongoing restoration and impending rehab task – coupled together with his expertise – might truly make him a gorgeous Rule 5 choose, as these components will reduce down on the variety of days he must be on a possible new group’s lively roster.
Brendan Beck, one other righty, additionally has an opportunity at safety given the present standing of the Yankees’ rotation. Whereas there are questions on how his stuff will translate to the majors, he has extra expertise than Rodriguez-Cruz and Carlos Lagrange, one other top-100 prospect.
Different Rule 5 eligible prospects within the Yankees’ system embrace righty relievers Harrison Cohen and Eric Reyzelman – the Bombers’ bullpen has a bunch of holes – southpaw starters Henry Lalane, Brock Selvidge and Allen Facundo; first baseman T.J. Rumfield; outfielder Jace Avina; and catcher Manuel Palencia.
