Five dark horses who could crack Yankees’ Opening-Day squad

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The New York Yankees’ spring training facility in Tampa will be bustling with additional talent this year as the organization welcomes 26 non-roster invitees to camp. The diverse group includes established veterans Carlos Carrasco and Andrew Velazquez, who joined on minor league contracts this offseason, alongside an array of the club’s emerging prospects.

While the majority of these players are destined for further minor league development throughout 2025, several stand out as legitimate candidates to earn their way onto the major league roster. Here’s an in-depth analysis of the five non-roster invitees who possess the strongest potential to secure a spot on the Yankees’ Opening Day roster.

Rookie No. #5. Colten Brewer

The narrative surrounding Colten Brewer‘s 2024 season might be dominated by an unfortunate incident with the Chicago Cubs – a self-inflicted hand injury from striking the dugout wall. However, the Yankees see beyond that moment, having previously benefited from his services in 2023. Their decision to bring him back via a minor league contract speaks to their belief in his potential as a bullpen reinforcement.

Despite carrying a career ERA of 5.10 that might raise eyebrows, Brewer’s pitching profile aligns well with the Yankees’ relief philosophy. His ground-ball tendencies and ability to minimize solid contact make him an intriguing depth option. Given the inevitable pitching attrition over a lengthy season, Brewer could prove to be a valuable insurance policy for the bullpen.

Rookie No. #4. Chase Hampton

Among the Yankees’ pitching prospects, Chase Hampton‘s trajectory has been particularly interesting to follow. Though his 2024 season was curtailed by a combination of flexor tendon and groin injuries, his status as the organization’s most promising young arm remains intact.

Hampton’s credentials are impressive, highlighted by his selection as the Yankees‘ Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2023. During that campaign, he demonstrated his dominance by maintaining a 3.63 ERA while accumulating 145 strikeouts across High-A and Double-A levels. Even in his abbreviated 2024 appearances, his command and strikeout capabilities remained exceptional.

While Hampton has yet to test himself against Triple-A competition, he’s garnered significant attention from the front office, with General Manager Brian Cashman specifically identifying him as a prospect to monitor. Despite the Yankees’ current rotation depth, an outstanding spring performance could accelerate Hampton’s timeline to the majors.

Yankees rookie No. #3. Spencer Jones

The physical comparisons between Spencer Jones and Aaron Judge are inevitable – both are imposing figures at 6-foot-6 with remarkable power and athletic ability. However, Jones arrives at spring training with some questions to answer, particularly regarding his approach to the plate. His 2024 season at Double-A Somerset showcased both his potential and areas for improvement, with 17 home runs and 78 RBIs offset by 200 strikeouts.

While his swing-and-miss tendencies require refinement, Jones’ combination of power and speed makes him an exceptionally intriguing prospect. Though conventional wisdom suggests he needs time at Triple-A, the precedent set by Juan Soto – who bypassed Triple-A entirely en route to the majors – demonstrates that exceptional talents can sometimes skip steps in their development.

Rookie No. #2. Dominic Smith

The Yankees’ offseason strategy has included building substantial infield depth, with Dominic Smith representing one of their most interesting veteran acquisitions. The former Mets first-round selection spent 2024 dividing his time between Boston and Cincinnati, producing a .233/.313/.378 slash line with six home runs and 34 RBIs across 93 games.

While Smith isn’t projected to claim a starting role, his left-handed bat could provide valuable balance to the Yankees’ bench. His defensive versatility – capable of handling both first base and outfield duties – enhances his value as a utility player, particularly when injuries inevitably arise during the season.

Rookie No. #1. T.J. Rumfield

Leading the pack of non-roster candidates is T.J. Rumfield, whose remarkable 2024 performance across Double-A and Triple-A has positioned him as a serious contender for a roster spot. The 24-year-old first baseman demonstrated impressive consistency at the plate, posting a .294/.370/.454 batting line while collecting 15 home runs and 73 RBIs.

Rumfield’s emergence became particularly notable following Ben Rice’s promotion to the majors, as he seamlessly stepped into the first base role at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and continued to excel. Some within the organization even suggested he might have been more deserving of the major league opportunity than Rice at the time.

While Paul Goldschmidt’s presence at first base creates a clear roadblock to regular playing time, Rumfield’s well-rounded skill set makes him the strongest candidate among non-roster invitees to crack the Opening Day roster. A strong showing in spring training could secure him a role as a valuable bench piece or primary backup option.

Spring training will tell the Yankees’ tale

As the Yankees prepare to open camp, these five players stand at the forefront of an intriguing competition for roster spots. The immediate future appears brightest for Rumfield, Smith, and Brewer, who could realistically break camp with the major league club. Meanwhile, Hampton and Jones represent high-ceiling prospects who, while possibly starting in the minors, could force their way into the Yankees’ plans as the season progresses.

The unpredictable nature of baseball, with its constant stream of injuries and performance variations, means that spring training performances will be scrutinized closely. For these non-roster invitees, the next few weeks represent a crucial opportunity to demonstrate their readiness for the major league stage and potentially reshape the Yankees’ roster planning for 2025.

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