The New York Yankees' 2026 top 20 prospects are a mix of high-potential shortstops, starting pitchers, and a clay golem, but the system has its challenges. The trade for Ryan Weathers and deadline deals last year impacted the depth, with several prospects moved or lost. Here's a breakdown of the top 20 prospects, their strengths, weaknesses, and potential impact.
George Lombard Jr., SS: A high-potential shortstop with excellent bat speed and a good understanding of the strike zone. He has the potential to be a plus hit tool, but his year was cut short due to a too-quick promotion to Double A. He needs to handle pitching at that level to reach his full potential.
Carlos Lagrange, RHP: A breakout pitcher in 2025, Lagrange showed potential with a plus slider, a cutter, and a hard changeup. He has a high ceiling as a starter, but his control needs improvement.
Dax Kilby, SS: Kilby's high school to pro debut was impressive, but he needs to improve his power and contact. He's a fringe-average runner and his arm might move him off shortstop.
Ben Hess, RHP: Hess is a high-probability starter, but he needs another gear or a different fastball shape to reach his mid-rotation potential. His breaking pitches are slow, but he has excellent feel to pitch.
Bryce Cunningham, RHP: Cunningham showed mid-rotation potential before an injury. He needs to improve his command and control, but his velocity and breaking pitches are promising.
Elmer Rodríguez, RHP: Rodríguez has a high ceiling as a No. 2 starter, but his delivery is tough to repeat. He needs better command and control.
Spencer Jones, OF: Jones has 80 power and a hard time covering the strike zone. He's a good athlete with the arm for right field, but he doesn't have the range for center field.
Chase Hampton, RHP: Hampton is recovering from Tommy John surgery. He needs to improve his changeup or try a different style to get lefties out.
Cade Smith, RHP: Smith is a future reliever with multiple breaking pitches. His fastball is light, and he's already shown platoon splits.
Kaeden Kent, SS: Kent is a utility infielder with raw power. He needs to focus on contact and going the other way.
Brock Selvidge, LHP: Selvidge needs to improve his slider and cutter, which are his primary breaking pitches. He's a reliever with above-average command.
Thatcher Hurd, RHP: Hurd is a project for the Yankees' pitching lab. He needs to rebuild his delivery and improve his command.
Pico Kohn, LHP: Kohn has a plus slider and average command. He needs to improve his fastball and changeup.
Brendan Beck, RHP: Beck is a swingman or fifth starter. He has above-average command and a slider, but he's prone to giving up hard contact.
Allen Facundo, LHP: Facundo has a plus slider and above-average command. He's a big-league reliever with a massive pause over the rubber.
Henry Lalane, LHP: Lalane is recovering from shoulder surgery. He needs to regain his velocity and command.
Jose M. Rodriguez, RHP: Rodriguez has a strong fastball and a fringe-average changeup. He's a reliever with the potential to go full innings.
Core Jackson, SS: Jackson is a prospect with potential, but he needs to improve his approach and contact issues.
Cade Winquest, RHP: Winquest is a potential reliever with a plus curveball and a cutter. He needs to improve his location.
Jace Avina, OF: Avina has plus power and a good understanding of the strike zone. He needs to show he can hit decent velocity.
