Who is Carlos Lagrange, Yankees’ flamethrower rookie ace on ascent?

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The New York Yankees continue to develop one of the deepest pitching pipelines in baseball. The latest arm to make noise is Carlos Lagrange, a towering right-hander, who was promoted on June 3, 2025, from High-A Hudson Valley to Double-A Somerset.

The 22-year-old Dominican-born flamethrower is turning heads with a fastball that regularly cracks triple digits and a presence on the mound that’s quickly becoming must-watch across the Yankees’ farm system. His fireballers are dominating beyond just radar-gun readings, drawing attention from fans, scouts, and analysts alike.

From Bayaguana to the Bronx pipeline

Carlos Jefferson Lagrange was born on May 25, 2003, in Bayaguana, Dominican Republic, and signed with the Yankees as an international free agent in 2022. At the time, he was a raw but projectable pitcher with a wiry frame and loose mechanics. Standing 6-foot-7, Lagrange possessed physical tools that immediately intrigued scouts but required refinement.

Early in his pro career, Lagrange pitched in the Dominican Summer League, where he battled command issues and inconsistent velocity. But those early struggles gave way to growth. After two seasons in the complex and rookie leagues, he broke out in 2024, showing improved control and an uptick in velocity.

“He’s a different animal now,” said one Yankees international scout. “That long frame finally came together, and the velocity just exploded.”

Fastball heat, breaking ball bite

Now 22, Lagrange has evolved into one of the Yankees’ most electric arms. His fastball consistently sits between 97-99 mph and has touched 101 mph on the gun—rare air even by today’s velocity standards. He complements the heater with a sharp, high-spin slider, a developing cutter, and a changeup he’s refining.

At High-A Hudson Valley this season, Lagrange posted a 4.10 ERA over 41.2 innings, striking out 64 batters while walking only 12. His 1.03 WHIP and dominant K/BB ratio reflect an emerging command that once lagged behind his raw power.

He’s particularly tough on right-handed hitters, thanks to his deceptive extension and high release point, which makes the ball appear to jump out of his hand.

“He’s overpowering guys with the fastball, but what’s exciting is how confident he’s become with his secondary stuff,” said a Hudson Valley coach. “That’s the difference-maker.”

Spring breakout spotlight

Lagrange gained national attention during the MLB Spring Breakout Game in March 2025, where the Yankees’ top prospects faced the Baltimore Orioles’ prospect squad. In that outing, Lagrange tossed four innings, allowed just two hits and struck out two batters—all while lighting up the radar gun at 100 and 101 mph.

“I feel really good, but I throw this velo always,” Lagrange said postgame with a grin, as quoted by the New York Post. “This is normal for me.”

That performance not only validated his spring progression but also put him firmly on the radar as a potential fast riser in the system.

Lagrange’s arsenal features a dominant 98 MPH fastball paired with devastating sliders and a changeup that generates exceptional swing-and-miss rates.

The most significant improvement in Lagrange’s game has been his strike-throwing ability, reducing his walk percentage by more than 10% compared to 2024. His control has advanced to such a degree that multiple walks in a single appearance have become surprisingly rare.

Among all High-A pitchers, Lagrange leads with a remarkable 31% strikeout-minus-walk rate while featuring an overpowering fastball that consistently registers 98 MPH and occasionally reaches 101.

While Lagrange’s 4.10 ERA might appear concerning, his underlying metrics tell a different story. His 2.85 FIP and 2.61 xFIP indicate performance significantly better than his earned run average suggests, with subpar defensive support and unfavorable sequencing inflating his traditional numbers.

Why the Yankees promoted him to Somerset

The Yankees promoted Lagrange to Double-A Somerset this week, marking a major milestone in his career. Double-A is widely regarded as the level where top prospects are truly tested. Hitters are more disciplined. Mistakes are punished.

But for Lagrange, this is the next challenge he’s prepared to meet head-on.

“We believe Carlos is ready to take this next step,” said Yankees director of player development Kevin Reese. “He’s earned it with his consistency, his maturity, and the way he’s handled adversity.”

Lagrange joins a Somerset rotation already featuring arms like Cam Schlittler and Brendan Beck, both of whom have also moved rapidly through the system. His arrival adds another high-octane weapon to a team that has emerged as a proving ground for future Yankees.

What’s next for Lagrange?

While a 2025 MLB debut is unlikely barring an injury-driven need, Lagrange is now in a position to push for a spot on the Yankees’ 40-man roster later this season. If he continues to produce at Double-A, he could be fast-tracked to Triple-A Scranton and put himself in contention for a late-season bullpen look.

Long-term, the Yankees envision Lagrange as a possible starter or high-leverage reliever, depending on how his command and secondary pitch development hold up. His frame, velocity, and makeup all project well in either role.

“He has the stuff to pitch late in games,” said a Yankees scout, “but don’t rule out starting potential if the consistency keeps trending.”

In a franchise known for nurturing dominant arms, Carlos Lagrange is quietly becoming the next name to watch. With elite velocity, sharpened control, and growing confidence, the Dominican right-hander is climbing fast—and the Bronx may not be far off.

His recent promotion to Double-A isn’t just a nod to what he’s done. It’s a signal of what’s coming.

Lagrange will likely make his Somerset debut this week. With every pitch, he’ll move one step closer to Yankee Stadium—and possibly, a lasting place in the team’s future rotation plans.

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