Yankees predicted to get 2026’s Cam Schlittler in rookie 6’7” righty flame thrower originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Yankees haven’t built the most exciting team this offseason, with only Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham returning as the team’s biggest additions this offseason.

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But the Yankees are still in a good spot to contend in the AL and for the World Series. Even though there are bullpen and rotation questions, the Yankees have a few options, including a righty who could be the 2026 version of Cam Schlittler.

Tristan Cockroft of ESPN predicts that the Yankees’ 2026 version of Schlittler will be a 6-foot-7 right-hander who has an upper-90s fastball and a few other nasty pitches. This predicted impact pitcher is 22-year-old Carlos Lagrange.

Yankees predicted to get Cam Schlittler-esque rise from Carlos Lagrange

“Carlos Lagrange (No. 159) will be this year’s Cam Schlittler,” Cockroft predicts. “… I see Lagrange reaching New York on a similar  timetable, and even if it’s not for a rotation need, it might be to bolster the Yankees’ bullpen.”

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A prospect rising through the farm system like Schlittler did in 2025, when he tore through Class-A and Double-A en route to the Major Leagues, would be a huge boost for the Yankees.

Lagrange is the pick from Karabell to have such a breakout year, and with his very fast fastball, his imposing stature at 6-foot-7, 248 pounds, and a solid 3.53 ERA with a 33.4% strikeout rate last year, Lagrange has the tools to be a breakout pitcher in 2026.

As Cockroft notes, the Yankees’ flame-throwing righty will need to get better control this season, but Schlittler made those same adjustments, and Lagrange should be able to do so as well.

More: Yankees reveal plans for power prospect Spencer Jones

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If Lagrange can make his MLB debut in 2026 for the Yankees, regardless of whether it’s as a reliever or a starter, he could be a great weapon for the Yankees down the stretch.

Just as Schlittler was a strong option for the Yankees to close out the year, Lagrange can be such a great option for Aaron Boone in the final months of the season after he proves himself in the minors.

He’s not likely to make the Opening Day roster and instead will need to prove himself to make his MLB debut this season. Cockroft believes Lagrange can do so, and even bring the same impact that Schlittler did last year for the Yankees.

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