The New York Yankees have re-assigned prospect Carlos Lagrange to minor-league camp, The Athletic‘s Chris Kirschner reports. To no one’s surprise, fans back in the Bronx reacted immediately to the latest news coming out of the Yankees’ spring training in Tampa, Florida.
With the 2026 MLB season looming on the horizon, the Yankees are making the final adjustments to their lineup and pitching rotation. With everybody back from the World Baseball Classic, it’s almost go time for the Bronx Bombers, who are well aware of the pressure on their shoulders.
It may be too much to bear, especially for a young talent who has yet to make his major leagues’ debut, like Lagrange. Perhaps influenced by Gerrit Cole passing his first test, the Pinstripers believe Lagrange’s time is yet to come. Regardless, the decision to send Lagrange back to the minors is one that doesn’t sit right with many fans.
Fans’ reaction to the news
“They could’ve at least put him in the bullpen. But let’s just keep doing the things that make us not win,” a frustrated user wrote on X. “Best players don’t play. Solid approach,” another disappointed Yankees fan commented on the news.
There were some mixed opinions, though. While most fans acknowledge the potential in Lagrange, many agreed with the Yankees’ call. A common argument among fan circles was that Lagrange still has to develop before being thrown into the fire in MLB action.
Yes, Lagrange’s spring training tape and stats are remarkable, but that’s just it: spring training. Fans have seen plenty of players ball out at George M. Steinbrenner Field, only to be fazed under the lights at Yankee Stadium. This time around, New York would rather be safe than sorry, and it may be a wise decision on its part.
Austin Wells’ comment on Lagrange
Yankees catcher Austin Wells may not be buying into the front office’s latest decision, though. After watching Lagrange put up solid numbers throughout spring training, Wells admitted he could see the former international free agent have an immediate impact in New York.
“I don’t have any doubts he could help us right now,” Wells said about Lagrange, via @TalkinYanks on X.
Lagrange has room to grow
Still, the fact remains: Lagrange has yet to make an appearance in a AAA game. As highly touted as he is by the Yankees—and their fanbase—Lagrange may be wet behind the ears.
Being re-assigned to the minors is far from the end of the road for him. If anything, fans will likely see him again in a Yankees uniform later in 2026. Even though it’s basically non-existent in a place like New York City, patience is a virtue.
| STARTING PITCHERS | RELIEF PITCHERS |
| MAX FRIED | DAVID BEDNAR |
| LUIS GIL | JAKE BIRD |
| CAM SCHLITTLER | PAUL BLACKBURN |
| WILL WARREN | FERNANDO CRUZ |
| RYAN WEATHERS | CAMILO DOVAL |
| — | BRENT HEADRICK |
| — | TIM HILL |
| — | RYAN YARBROUGH |