Aaron Boone and the New York Yankees are 47-31 and hold a three-game lead in the American League East, with the Tampa Bay Rays (43-33) close behind. One of their biggest strengths this season has been the bullpen.
New York's relievers rank fourth in ERA (3.39), are tied for fifth in hits allowed (231), rank third in home runs allowed (25), are tied for fifth in strikeouts (252), rank seventh in WHIP (1.24) and are eighth in opponent batting average (.232).
Despite that, The Athletic's Jim Bowden previously reported that the Yankees are seeking help in the bullpen before the MLB trade deadline.
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However, making a trade isn't the only way New York is looking to reinforce its bullpen. During an appearance on "Foul Territory," Bowden said that the Yankees are preparing right-handed pitching prospect Carlos Lagrange to be the setup man for closer David Bednar.
“The answer’s in Triple-A,” Bowden said. “You don’t have to make a trade; it’s Carlos Lagrange, right? Goes 101–102, whatever it is. They’re putting him in the role, they’re putting him in high-leverage situations. They are getting him ready. He is their guy to set up Bednar.”
At 23 years old, Lagrange is one of the highest-rated prospects in the Yankees' farm system. He comes in at No. 72 in MLB.com's top-100 prospect rankings. With a fastball that can peak at 103 miles per hour, the right-hander can produce elite velocity.
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At 6-foot-7, he is a towering presence on the mound and has been impressive throughout the 2026 season. Playing for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, he's accumulated a 3.96 ERA and 1.288 WHIP in 61.1 innings pitched.
The Yankees are comfortable with Bednar, who is 15-for-17 in save opportunities as their closer. However, promoting Lagrange can give the bullpen a new look in later innings.
