NEW YORK — The New York Yankees’ farm system showcased its depth this week with standout performances across multiple levels. Five prospects delivered moments that highlighted the strength of the organization’s pipeline.
Power surge puts slugger back on top of leaderboard
Spencer Jones reminded everyone why he is one of the Yankees’ most highly regarded offensive prospects. The 24-year-old outfielder snapped out of a slump Wednesday with two home runs and five RBIs for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Jones had gone deep only once in his previous 20 games, raising questions about his place atop the Minor League home run leaderboard. His two-homer game changed the conversation.
“The two jacks produced a season-high five RBIs and nudged Jones back atop the Minor League leaderboard with 35 long balls, one more than Oklahoma City’s Ryan Ward,” MLB.com’s Michael Avallone reported.
Jones is batting .276 with 35 homers, 80 RBIs, 28 stolen bases, and a .938 OPS across Double-A Somerset and Triple-A. He has totaled 435 at-bats and 245 total bases, showing both consistency and power.
Drafted 25th overall out of Vanderbilt in 2022, Jones began the season at Double-A before earning a promotion. At 6-foot-7 and 240 pounds, he combines strength with defensive versatility, playing all three outfield positions.
Unknown reliever earns prestigious recognition
Hueston Morrill emerged as one of the Yankees’ most unexpected success stories. Baseball America named him the “Best Reliever” in the South Atlantic League, an honor voted on by league managers.
Morrill began his professional career as a shortstop after being drafted by the Angels in the 36th round in 2018. He signed with the Yankees in 2022 and converted to pitching, a move that has paid off.
The right-hander dominated for High-A Hudson Valley with a 1.29 ERA across 14 innings this season. He has been effective in relief, limiting damage and showing command that was absent in earlier years.
Morrill’s rise reflects steady progress. He posted a 6.52 ERA in 2023, improved to 3.34 in 2024, and took another leap forward in 2025. His late promotion to Double-A Somerset gave him a chance to showcase his progress at a higher level. He will continue his development in the Arizona Fall League with Mesa.
Top pitching prospect earns Triple-A promotion
Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz capped his breakout season with a promotion to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 22-year-old right-hander leads the minors with 173 strikeouts and has established himself as one of the Yankees’ top pitching prospects.
Rodriguez-Cruz finished the year with 145 innings pitched, a 2.42 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, and just three home runs allowed. He has a ground-ball rate above 54 percent across 26 appearances.
The Yankees acquired Rodriguez-Cruz from the Red Sox last December in exchange for catcher Carlos Narvaez. Drafted in the fourth round in 2021, he has quickly risen into the organization’s long-term plans.
“Elmer is having an incredible season and has truly put himself on the map as one of the top pitching prospects in the game,” Yankees vice president of player development Kevin Reese told the Daily News. “Will he pitch in the big leagues next season? I think it’s fair to say he will be amongst those competing with a realistic shot.”
Rodriguez-Cruz, listed at 6-foot-3 and 160 pounds, throws a fastball that touches 99 mph. He pairs it with a sweeper and a developing cutter. Somerset pitching coach Peter Larson said adding strength and refining those pitches remain areas of focus.
The Yankees valued him highly enough to keep him out of trade discussions involving Orioles pitcher Charlie Morton. With his promotion, he is one step away from the majors and could compete for innings as soon as 2026.
Third consecutive South Atlantic League honor
Kyle Carr continued the Yankees’ run of pitching awards in the South Atlantic League. The left-hander was named Pitcher of the Year after a standout season with High-A Hudson Valley.
Carr posted a 1.96 ERA over 119 1/3 innings with 104 strikeouts and 47 walks. He allowed 81 hits and 36 runs while generating a ground-ball rate above 51 percent. His performance earned him a promotion to Double-A Somerset.
The Yankees have now produced the league’s top pitcher for three straight years. Cam Schlittler won in 2024, and Drew Thorpe earned the honor in 2023.
Carr, a third-round pick, throws three different fastballs along with a slider and changeup. His ability to mix pitches and command the strike zone has made him one of the more promising arms in the system.
Lombard Jr.’s standout performances continue
George Lombard Jr. added to his list of accomplishments this week. Baseball America named him the “Most Exciting Player” in the Eastern League, recognizing his ability to impact games with speed and hitting.
Over his first three seasons, Lombard Jr. has hit .252 with a .375 on-base percentage and a .359 slugging percentage. He has recorded 35 doubles, 6 home runs, 64 RBIs, and 54 stolen bases in 147 games.
Jones also collected more recognition, earning “Best Power Prospect” honors at both the Double-A and Triple-A levels.
The Yankees’ development strength continues to show across levels. Hudson Valley led the South Atlantic League with a 2.83 ERA, finishing nearly half a run better than second-place Brooklyn.
From Jones’ power to Rodriguez-Cruz’s strikeouts and Carr’s dominance, the Yankees’ farm system continues to produce. Morrill’s rise and Lombard Jr.’s steady progress add to the depth. Together, they highlight the organization’s ongoing ability to identify and develop talent across all levels.
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