Yankees prospects on fire in MiLB, rookie reliever takes AFL by surprise

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NEW YORK — The New York Yankees’ farm system once again demonstrated its growing strength in 2025, with standout performances across multiple levels of play. Top prospect Spencer Jones earned a spot on the All-MiLB Prospect First Team, while several young players continued to impress in the Arizona Fall League (AFL). Yet the biggest surprise came from an unlikely source — a former college shortstop turned dominant reliever.

Former shortstop turns heads on the mound

Right-hander Hueston Morrill has become one of the most talked-about names in the Yankees’ minor league ranks. Originally signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2022, Morrill began his career at Oklahoma State as a shortstop before transitioning to pitching full-time. His rise has been nothing short of remarkable.

This season, Morrill posted a 0.76 ERA over 47.2 innings between High-A Hudson Valley and Double-A Somerset. He allowed only 18 hits and struck out 42 batters. Opponents hit just .118 against him, ranking among the lowest averages in all of minor league baseball. Among pitchers who threw at least 45 innings, Morrill placed fourth in both ERA and opponent average.

The 25-year-old right-hander went on a streak of 25 straight appearances without giving up an earned run, stretching from May 4 through August 13. Scouts have praised his deceptive arsenal.

“He creates a lot of weak ground ball contact with a low-90s sinker while missing bats with an upper-80s cutter and a mid-80s slider,” according to scouting reports from the AFL.

Smith dominates in relief appearance

Another Yankees arm making noise in Arizona is right-hander Cade Smith, who made a statement in his AFL debut for the Mesa Solar Sox. The team’s 19th-ranked prospect struck out five batters over three hitless innings against the Surprise Saguaros.

The 23-year-old has dealt with shoulder issues for much of his professional career, limiting him to 11 starts this season. However, when healthy, Smith impressed with a 2.50 ERA and strong command.

Selected in the sixth round of the 2023 draft out of Mississippi State, Smith’s pitch mix features a plus mid-80s slider and a solid low-80s curveball. He complements those with a 92-94 mph fastball that can touch 96. The Yankees believe his combination of velocity and off-speed command gives him late-inning potential.

Jones powers his way to All-MiLB honors

Outfielder Spencer Jones has been the centerpiece of the Yankees’ prospect surge. The 6-foot-7 slugger delivered a breakout campaign that earned him a spot on the 2025 All-MiLB Prospect First Team.

Between Double-A Somerset and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Jones blasted 35 home runs with a .274 batting average, .362 on-base percentage, and .571 slugging percentage — good for a .933 OPS. He drove in 80 runs, scored 102, and stole 29 bases in 116 games.

Jones joined Baltimore’s Dylan Beavers and Pittsburgh’s Edward Florentino as the outfielders named to the First Team. His 35 homers led all minor league hitters for much of the season. After his midseason promotion to Scranton, Jones continued to showcase both his power and athleticism, putting himself in position to compete for a major league roster spot in 2026.

Cunningham brings elite changeup to desert

Right-hander Bryce Cunningham, the Yankees’ fifth-ranked prospect, also took the mound in the AFL, where he is showcasing one of the best changeups of his generation.

The 21-year-old battled through injuries during the 2025 season but is healthy again and eager to build momentum. “It was really frustrating, especially with the momentum that I had going,” Cunningham said. “But I just felt like it kind of taught me a lot throughout that process, so in some ways I think it was maybe good.”

Cunningham, drafted in the second round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Vanderbilt, signed for a $2.3 million bonus — well above slot value. His signature changeup has drawn national attention.

“He wouldn’t let me throw a breaking ball until I could hit him in the chest every throw, is what he told me,” Cunningham said of his father, who taught him the pitch. “So fastballs and just focusing on the changeup. He made me do it every day.”

Yankees stock AFL roster with injured arms

The Yankees sent eight players to the Arizona Fall League this year, many of whom missed significant time during the regular season. Among them is right-hander Brady Kirtner, who posted a 2.70 ERA between two Class A levels in his first professional season. The 2023 12th-round pick relies on a 91-95 mph fastball and a low-80s slider that has shown swing-and-miss potential.

Another name returning from injury is Adam Stone, who missed two full seasons due to shoulder issues and Tommy John surgery. In his AFL comeback, Stone leaned heavily on an 86-92 mph cutter, showing flashes of his pre-injury form.

Position players Coby Morales, Manuel Palencia, and Enmanuel Tejeda rounded out the Yankees’ AFL group. Morales homered in his first Fall League game after hitting .243 with 17 stolen bases during the regular season.

The Yankees’ AFL contingent reflects the organization’s strategy of giving valuable innings and at-bats to players returning from injury while preparing them for higher competition.

Building depth throughout the system

Beyond the AFL, the Yankees’ player development system continues to show its strength. Kyle Carr earned South Atlantic League Pitcher of the Year honors, while infielder George Lombard Jr. demonstrated steady progress in the upper minors.

The organization’s success extends far beyond its top-tier prospects. New York’s emphasis on scouting, analytics, and individualized coaching has helped it develop hidden gems such as Morrill — a player who transitioned from a struggling college infielder into one of the most effective relievers in minor league baseball.

The Yankees’ farm system has evolved into one of the deepest in MLB, producing both star power and critical depth. The combination of high-ceiling talents like Jones and late bloomers like Morrill illustrates the versatility of the Yankees’ development pipeline.

As the next wave of players continues to rise, the franchise’s investment in internal development appears to be paying off. From dominant relievers to emerging sluggers, the Yankees’ minor league ranks have become a consistent source of promise for the future in the Bronx.

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