Yankees pitching prospect Carlos Lagrange, initially impressive in Spring Training, has faced significant struggles in his first seven starts of 2026. The team opted to send him down to Triple-A for further development.
Yankees' Carlos Lagrange Has a Big Problem That's Getting Worse
New York Yankees pitching prospect Carlos Lagrange was all the rage in Spring Training. He was flashing 102 mph on the radar gun, and he was buckling hitters with his nasty movement.
Some even felt that Lagrange could sneak his way on to the big-league roster, but in the end, the Yankees sent him down to Triple-A for some more work.
That proved to be the right decision, because Lagrange has certainly been struggling through his first seven starts of 2026.
Yes, Lagrange is still fanning hitters at an incredible rate, having racked up 38 strikeouts over 28.1 innings of work, but his walks have been just as noticeable.
Lagrange has issued 17 free passes thus far, good for an average of 5.4 walks per nine frames. He owns lifetime 5.2 BB/9, so command has always been an issue for the right-hander. But it isn't getting any better. In fact, it might be getting worse.
This is exactly why I've always pushed back against the notion of turning Lagrange into a reliever. Not that you ever want your pitchers walking batters, but it gets amplified much more when you are entering a game with runners already potentially on base.
Lagrange is 6-foot-7, so it's understandably difficult for him to harness his delivery. But if he ever wants to make it in the big leagues, he will have to rectify this problem.
New York Yankees pitcher Carlos Lagrange. Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images.
Remember: Dellin Betances had a very similar issue in the Yankees' minor-league system, but he got it under control (somewhat) in the majors.
Carlos Lagrange is struggling significantly in his first seven starts of the 2026 season, which prompted the Yankees to send him down to Triple-A.
The Yankees sent Carlos Lagrange to Triple-A to allow him to work on his performance after he struggled in his early starts of the 2026 season.
In Spring Training, Carlos Lagrange showcased impressive skills, hitting 102 mph on the radar gun and demonstrating effective movement, leading to expectations of a potential big-league roster spot.
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Can Lagrange do the same thing?
Well, based on what we have been seeing out of the Dominican native this season, he certainly isn't on the right track.
Lagrange's lack of control is also affecting how he pitches in general, as he has already surrendered six home runs in 2026. Three of them came in his most recent start, when he walked three and gave up five runs in 4.1 innings.
There is no doubting Lagrange's stuff. It's absolutely filthy. But we have seen plenty of pitchers with amazing talent fall flat due to their inability to consistently get the ball over the plate.
You would hate to see the same thing happen with Lagrange, but he is now five seasons into his minor-league tenure, and he hasn't improved.
Perhaps New York can work with Lagrange on his mechanics to ensure better command, but you also have to be careful you don't mess with him too much.
It's definitely a tough situation, and it's something that isn't really being discussed.
Lagrange lays claim to a 4.76 ERA thus far this season, and you already know that the walks are one of the primary reasons why.
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