New York Yankees’ 2025 dynasty of rookie arms: Next-gen stars on the rise

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As the New York Yankees navigate a 2025 season full of injury setbacks and rotation patchwork, one storyline has quietly emerged from within the depths of the organization: the rise of a new dynasty—not of sluggers, but of arms.

Across all levels of the farm system, a wave of rookie pitchers is defining the Yankees’ next chapter. Some are turning heads with elite stuff, others with their resilience, and many are already earning comparisons to prior breakout stars.

From the low minors to the doorstep of the Bronx, here’s a closer look at the Yankees’ most promising young arms as of June 15, 2025.

Ben Hess — RHP, 22

• Drafted: 2023, 2nd round
• Team: Hudson Valley Renegades (High-A)
• 2025 Stats: 40 IP, 4.05 ERA, 59 K

Hess came into pro ball with raw stuff and control concerns after a rocky final college season at Alabama. But 2025 has been a breakout. His fastball consistently hits 97–99 mph with ride, and his hammer curveball has become a legitimate swing-and-miss weapon.

The Yankees have taken a patient approach, refining his mechanics and attacking sequencing. The results speak for themselves. If his command continues to stabilize, Hess projects as a high-upside No. 3 starter with an ETA of mid-to-late 2026.

“We bet on the stuff, and now we’re seeing it mature into performance,” said one Yankees minor league coordinator.

Bryce Cunningham — RHP, 22

• Drafted: 2023, 4th round
• Team: Hudson Valley Renegades (High-A)
• 2025 Stats: 46.2 IP, 1.93 ERA, 47 K

A Vanderbilt product, Cunningham came in with a polished changeup and fastball with late life. His forte has been keeping the ball in the yard—he’s surrendered just 3 homers in just 8 starts.

Still, his poise and strike-throwing profile make him a candidate for a backend rotation role. Scouts believe a tweak in pitch location strategy could lead to a late-season surge. He’s tracking for a potential MLB debut with the Yankees in 2026.

Cade Smith — RHP, 23

• Drafted: 2022, 6th round
• Team: Hudson Valley Renegades
• 2025 Stats: Yet to play
• 2024 stats: 93.2 IP, 3.61 ERA, 118 K

Smith has quietly emerged as one of the more reliable starters in the Yankees’ farm system. He pounds the zone with a mid-90s fastball and tunnels it effectively with a sharp, two-plane slider. His strikeout-to-walk ratio has improved over each of his last three starts.

Smith profiles as a solid No. 4 starter. With a strong summer, he could pitch his way into Triple-A and potentially push for a 2026 MLB debut.

Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz — RHP, 21

• Acquired: Trade with Boston
• Team: Hudson Valley (High-A)
• 2025 Stats: 60 IP, 3.00 ERA, 74 K

Acquired quietly in a 2023 deadline deal, Rodriguez-Cruz has become a system gem. His fastball-slider combo grades above average, and he’s begun to flash an improved changeup.

What stands out most is his feel for sequencing and composure in tight spots. Still adding physical strength, Rodriguez-Cruz could project as a No. 3 starter if the velocity ticks up. He’s one of the likeliest arms to earn a fast-track Yankees promotion by the end of 2026.

Carlos Lagrange — RHP, 22

• Signed: International FA
• Team: Hudson Valley/Somerset (High-A/AA)
• 2025 Stats: 51.2 IP, 4.70 ERA, 72 K

Carlos Lagrange has one of the most electric fastballs in the system, consistently reaching triple digits with run. His slider has improved into a legitimate out-pitch, and his mound presence has drawn raves.

The Yankees are highly hopeful about his control and long-term role. He could debut as a high-leverage reliever by early 2026. A potential fireman out of the bullpen.

Cam Schlittler — RHP, 24

• Drafted: 2022, 7th round
• Team: Somerset Patriots (AA)
• 2025 Stats: 63.1 IP, 2.27 ERA, 79 K

Few pitchers have reinvented themselves more dramatically than Schlittler. Once a low-90s control artist, he now flashes a 95–99 mph heater with elite vertical ride, making him a modern pitching lab success.

“He added nearly 5 mph of fastball velocity in two offseasons. That’s elite commitment,” a Yankees trainer noted.

Schlittler is knocking on Triple-A’s door and could see the majors late in 2025 as a multi-inning weapon.

Griffin Herring — LHP, 21

• Drafted: 2023, 5th round
• Team: Hudson Valley (High-A)
• 2025 Stats: 63.1 IP, 1.14 ERA, 72 K

Herring has put up jaw-dropping numbers so far in 2025. His ERA leads all qualified Single-A starters, and his command has improved noticeably. His ability to change speeds and his calm mound demeanor give him the look of a future starter at higher levels.

Projected Yankees debut: 2027, but if he continues this trajectory, he could leapfrog levels quickly.

Kyle Carr — LHP, 23

• Drafted: 2023, 3rd round
• Team: Hudson Valley Renegades
• 2025 Stats: 53.2 IP, 3.35 ERA, 41 K

Carr, a lefty with heavy sink and a biting slider, has been quietly effective in the upper minors. His reverse splits against righties are notable. He may not have frontline stuff, but his durability and deception profile well as a swingman or spot starter at the MLB level.

Look for Carr to Yankees debut in 2026 as a rotation depth option.

Brock Selvidge — LHP, 22

• Drafted: 2021, 3rd round
• Team: Somerset Patriots (AA)
• 2025 Stats: 16.1 IP, 2.71 ERA, 16 K

Selvidge has build upon his impressive 2023 and 2024 form. Once seen as a fast-track lefty with above-average command, his fastball and strikeout rate keep him on radar.

Selvidge remains a top-15 prospect spot. His MLB future likely hinges on his second-half push for the Yankees’ cap.

What it all means: Yankees farm full of pitching promise

The Yankees haven’t had this many legit pitching prospects with velocity, deception, and upside since the early 2010s. With Cole aging and Rodon’s durability under the microscope, the front office has leaned into developing internal arms — and the results are promising.

While not every arm here will wear pinstripes, the sheer depth gives the Yankees flexibility at the trade deadline or insurance against injuries. Several, including Ben Hess, Cade Smith, and Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz, are trending toward MLB impact as soon as 2026.

“We’re trying to create sustainable waves of pitching,” said a senior Yankees scout. “This group is real. They’re competitors.”

Projected MLB impact timeline

• Late 2025: Cam Schlittler, Clayton Beeter
• 2026: Ben Hess, Cade Smith, Carlos Lagrange, Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz
• 2027+: Griffin Herring, Henry Lalane, Thatcher Hurd, Brock Selvidge, Kyle Carr

In a season where the Yankees’ MLB rotation has faced its share of turbulence, the hope for long-term pitching success lies not in the free agent market but in the arms developing within their own backyard. The 2025 rookie class may not carry the media buzz of past Baby Bombers, but their impact could be just as profound.

If even a few of these names reach their ceiling, the Yankees’ next dynasty might be built not on bats — but on an empire of arms.

What do you think? Leave your comment below.

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