Yanks' Lagrange flashes triple-digit heat in Spring Breakout
SARASOTA, Fla. -- There was an audible “Ooh” from the crowd at Ed Smith Stadium, and Carlos Lagrange quickly glanced beyond the right-field wall, checking the velocity of the pitch he’d just thrown in Saturday’s 5-4 Spring Breakout loss to the Orioles. It had registered in the triple digits, and
SARASOTA, Fla. -- There was an audible “Ooh” from the crowd at Ed Smith Stadium, and Carlos Lagrange quickly glanced beyond the right-field wall, checking the velocity of the pitch he’d just thrown in Saturday’s 5-4 Spring Breakout loss to the Orioles.
It had registered in the triple digits, and the 6-foot-7 Yankees right-hander grinned. That was exactly what he’d hoped to showcase.
“This was a really big opportunity for me,” Lagrange said through an interpreter. “It meant a lot. It was an opportunity to prove to myself and to everybody else that I’m a good pitcher and that I can throw strikes.”
Rated as the Yankees’ No. 19 prospect by MLB Pipeline, the 21-year-old Lagrange’s big arm impressed in a four-inning performance against Baltimore’s top farmhands. He allowed two runs (one earned) and two hits, including Vance Honeycutt’s inside-the-park home run in the fourth inning.
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
Lagrange settled in after experiencing first-inning jitters, coming after he permitted a leadoff single to Enrique Bradfield Jr. Lagrange threw errantly on a pickoff attempt down the right-field line, seeing Bradfield advance to third base, then uncorked a wild pitch that sent Bradfield home.
But Lagrange then retired the following 11 batters, two via strikeout, and did not walk any -- which represents an important next step in his development.
He issued 20 walks in 21 innings last season, when he posted a 6.86 ERA in nine games (eight starts) for the Florida Complex League Yankees and Single-A Tampa.
Asked how he recovered following Bradfield’s race around the bases, Lagrange replied: “I just tried to do what I always do -- try to keep the same rhythm going. The same things that we always do when we train in the complex. This is baseball. Things are going to happen.”
Signed for $10,000 out of the Dominican Republic in February 2022, Lagrange missed most of last season with back inflammation. He was much sharper in the Arizona Fall League, where he made strides he hopes to carry into the season.
“We have a lot of good pitchers in our organization, so when I got the news [about starting the Spring Breakout game], it felt incredible,” Lagrange said.
The Vandy boys
There was a Vanderbilt presence to the Spring Breakout game right to the finish, as the Yankees’ Spencer Jones and Greysen Carter posed for photos at home plate with fellow alums Enrique Bradfield Jr. and Patrick Reilly of the Orioles.
A fifth Vandy alum, Bryce Cunningham, was tossing in the bullpen after surrendering Leandro Arias’ walk-off hit. The Yankees’ loss meant Jones (Yanks' No. 3) won’t cash in his friendly wager with Bradfield for a medium-rare steak, but Jones said the experience was still a good time.
“Oh dude, it’s awesome when I get to see my former college teammates, especially now in professional baseball,” Jones said. “We competed against each other so many times, even at school, so this is the greatest thing ever.”
Jones, who went 1-for-2 with a double and a run scored, lauded Carter as “one of the strongest people I’ve ever seen in my life in the weight room” and said Cunningham (Yanks' No. 6) is “your typical SEC competitor; he’s going to come right after you and throw all his pitches for strikes.”
Jesús Rodríguez knocks in Spencer Jones 👏@NYYPlayerDev | #SpringBreakout pic.twitter.com/071JFNpeVl
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 15, 2025
As for Bradfield, who dashed around the bases to score Baltimore’s first run of the night, Jones offered this scouting report: “I think it’s a well-known fact that Enrique Bradfield can run.” (Performances like Saturday’s should make that clear to a larger audience.)
An unofficial debut
Ben Hess was the Yankees’ first-round selection (26th overall) in last year’s MLB Draft out of the University of Alabama, and Saturday’s contest marked the 22-year-old’s first time pitching in front of a crowd in a professional uniform.
“It was super cool to get to throw in front of fans, seeing another uniform in the box,” said Hess, the Yankees' No. 4 prospect. “I would have liked it to go a little better, but it was a great time.”
Entering for the fifth inning, Hess retired the first four batters he faced, including a nifty sliding stop by third baseman Jesus Rodriguez that robbed Jud Fabian of a hit.
Smooth play by Jesús Rodríguez 🔥@NYYPlayerDev | #SpringBreakout pic.twitter.com/SCKvqRpoFg
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 15, 2025
Hess walked one and struck out three; he was also struck in the left calf by a Bradfield comebacker that led to the Orioles scoring a run in the sixth, saying he’d likely be sore for a couple of days.
Otherwise, Hess said the adjustment from college to pro life has been “really fun,” and that his focus for the upcoming season will be on winning games.
“I think sometimes that can get a little overlooked going through the development system,” Hess said. “First and foremost, I want to get some wins and throw well, [and] make all my starts.”
Senior Reporter Bryan Hoch has covered the Yankees for MLB.com since 2007.
Despite Gutsy Pitching, Bradenton Falls 1-0 to Fort Myers
Despite Gutsy Pitching, Bradenton Falls 1-0 to Fort Myers Fort Myers, Fla. – The Bradenton Marauders fell 1-0 to the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels in game two of their series at Hammond Stadium on Wednesday. Pitching told the story as both sides combined to allow five hits and just the
Marauders Fall 9-4 in Series Opener with Mussels
Marauders Fall 9-4 in Series Opener with Mussels Fort Myers, Fla. – The Bradenton Marauders fell 9-4 to the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels in their series opener at Hammond Stadium on Tuesday. With no score in the bottom of the first, the Mussels loaded the bases on two walks and
Marauders Drop Series Finale with Cardinals 5-3
Marauders Drop Series Finale with Cardinals 5-3 Bradenton, Fla. – Despite rallying late, the Bradenton Marauders fell 5-3 to the Palm Beach Cardinals on Sunday afternoon at LECOM Park. With the win, Palm Beach secured the series victory, taking four of the week’s six games. With one out and no
Big First Inning Paces Cardinals Past Marauders 11-3
Big First Inning Paces Cardinals Past Marauders 11-3 Bradenton, Fla. – Led by a six-run first inning, the Palm Beach Cardinals powered past the Bradenton Marauders 11-3 on Saturday night at LECOM Park. Leading off the game, the Cardinals placed runners at the corners after Bryce Madron doubled and Christian
Griffin’s Exhilarating Night Highlights Marauders 8-5 Win Over Cardinals
Griffin’s Exhilarating Night Highlights Marauders 8-5 Win Over Cardinals Bradenton, Fla. – Konnor Griffin launched his first professional homer to lead the Bradenton Marauders to an 8-5, comeback victory over the Palm Beach Cardinals Friday night at LECOM Park. Tied at 5-5 entering the bottom of the eighth, Carlos Caro
Big First Inning Leads Cardinals Past Marauders 18-6
Big First Inning Leads Cardinals Past Marauders 18-6 Bradenton, Fla. – Paced by a nine-run first inning, the Palm Beach Cardinals powered past the Bradenton Marauders 18-6 on Thursday night at LECOM Park. With no score in the top of the first, the Cardinals loaded the bases on two singles
Late-Inning Life Surges Marauders Past Cardinals
Late-Inning Life Surges Marauders Past Cardinals Bradenton, Fla. – The Bradenton Marauders notched a season-high 14 hits and scored nine unanswered runs in their 12-6 win over the Palm Beach Cardinals Wednesday afternoon at LECOM Park. Their hit total matched their season high from 2024 (7/3 vs Fort Myers) and
Marauders Quick Start Halted in 9-4 Loss to Cardinals
Marauders Quick Start Halted in 9-4 Loss to Cardinals Bradenton, Fla. – Despite notching a season-high 13 hits, the Bradenton Marauders dropped their home opener versus the Palm Beach Cardinals 9-4 on Tuesday night at LECOM Park. Leading off the bottom of the first with no score, Konnor Griffin singled
Marauders Shutout 7-0 in Series Finale Versus Tortugas
Marauders Shutout 7-0 in Series Finale Versus Tortugas DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Bradenton Marauders dropped the rubber match of their three-game series with the Daytona Tortugas 7-0 on Sunday night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Jhonny Severino notched three of the Marauders four hits on the night. Camden Janik also
Early Offense Not Enough for Marauders in 7-3 loss to Tortugas
Early Offense Not Enough for Marauders in 7-3 loss to Tortugas DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Despite an early 3-0 lead, a four-run fifth lifted the Daytona Tortugas past the Bradenton Marauders 7-3 on Saturday night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. With no score in the top of the second, Axiel Plaz
All-Around Effort Surges Bradenton Past Daytona in 6-2 Opening Day Victory
All-Around Effort Surges Bradenton Past Daytona in 6-2 Opening Day Victory DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Early offense and stout pitching paced the Bradenton Marauders to a 6-2 Opening Day win over the Daytona Tortugas on Friday night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. In his professional debut, 2024 first-round pick Konnor Griffin
Bradenton Marauders Announce Preliminary 2025 Roster
Bradenton Marauders Announce Preliminary 2025 Roster BRADENTON, Fla. (April 2, 2025) – In conjunction with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Bradenton Marauders have announced their preliminary 2025 roster. The roster features 26 players returning from last year’s club and eight from the 2024 Pittsburgh Pirates draft class. Moreover, six members of
Marauders Announce 2025 Coaching Staff
BRADENTON, Fla. – The Bradenton Marauders announced their managerial and coaching assignments for the upcoming 2025 season. Jim Horner returns to the Marauders in 2025 for his second season as manager of the club, and sixth year in the Pirates organization. Horner’s résumé is as decorated and diverse as they
Marauders Announce 2025 Season Schedule
BRADENTON, Fla. — The Bradenton Marauders, Single-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, have announced their schedule for the 2025 Florida State League season. The season will consist of 132 games, including 66 home games and 66 road games. Each Monday will be a league-wide off day. Note that all dates
Marauders Walked-Off for Second-Straight Night in Season-Finale
DAYTONA BEACH, FL —In their season-finale at Jackie Robinson Ballpark, the Daytona Tortugas walked-off the Bradenton Marauders 2-1 on Sunday night. After a weather delay of about an hour and a half, the Marauders and Tortugas took the field. In his final start of the season, Zander Mueth walked three
Marauders-Tortugas Split Doubleheader on Saturday Night
DAYTONA BEACH, FL —After the Bradenton Marauders outlasted the Daytona Tortugas 10-5 in the continuation of a suspended game, the Tortugas walked-off the Marauders 5-4 in seven-innings on Saturday night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Both sides resumed a suspended seven-inning game from Friday night with the Marauders ahead 6-2 in
Valdez Ties Franchise Record as Game Halted Due to Weather
DAYTONA BEACH, FL —Game one of a doubleheader on Friday night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark between the Bradenton Marauders and Daytona Tortugas was suspended in the bottom of the fourth with the Marauders ahead 6-2. After an hour and 43-minute rain delay, the Marauders took the early lead in the
Thursday Night’s Contest Postponed Due to Inclement Weather
DAYTONA BEACH, FL — Thursday night’s regularly scheduled contest at Jackie Robinson Ballpark between the Bradenton Marauders and Daytona Tortugas has been postponed due to rain. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Friday, September 6, featuring two seven-inning games beginning at 5:00 pm.
All Hail to the King: Valdez Mashes Two Longballs to Become FSL Home Run Leader
DAYTONA BEACH, FL — Esmerlyn Valdez and Jhonny Severio combined to club four home runs for the Bradenton Marauders as they down the Daytona Tortugas 8-6 on Wednesday night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Bradenton led from start to finish and opened up the game’s scoring in the first. Keiner Delgado
Seven Hits Not Enough in 7-2 Loss on Monday
DAYTONA BEACH, FL — In their first meeting since April 21, the Bradenton Marauders dropped their series opener 7-2 to the Daytona Tortugas on Monday night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. The Tortugas struck first beginning in the second inning against Zander Mueth (1-3). The right-hander hit a batter and walked
On to Daytona: Marauders Downed 18-4 in Home Finale
BRADENTON, FL — The Bradenton Marauders closed out their 2024 home schedule with an 18-4 defeat at the hands of the Tampa Tarpons on Sunday afternoon at LECOM Park. Bradenton plated two runs in the opening inning against Andrew Landry. Will Taylor singled and stole second before Landry retired the
Bradenton Drops Both Games in a Doubleheader on Saturday
BRADENTON, FL — The Bradenton Marauders fell in both games of a doubleheader on Saturday night at LECOM Park to the Tampa Tarpons by a score of 7-3 and 5-1 in eight innings. In game one, Tampa struck for a pair of runs in the first inning for the second-straight
Not So Friendly Friday: Tarpons Topple Marauders 9-6
BRADENTON, FL — The Bradenton Marauders fell behind early and ultimately dropped Friday night’s contest at LECOM Park by a score of 9-6 to the Tampa Tarpons. Tampa jumped ahead in the top of the first against Antwone Kelly (1-6). Roderick Arias singled, stole second base and then scored on
Marauders Topped by Tarpons 6-3 on Thursday Night
BRADENTON, FL — The Bradenton Maruaders dropped Thursday night’s contest at LECOM Park 6-3 to the Tampa Tarpons. Both sides were scheduled to play a doubleheader before a lengthy rain delay of three hours and 29 minutes forcing both teams into playing just one nine inning contest. After Connor Wietgrefe
Four Marauders Named to Florida Complex League All-Star Team
BRADENTON, FL — On Thursday afternoon, Minor League Baseball announced the league awards and All-Star teams for the three leagues that make up the Rookie-level classification. The list featured five total FCL Pirates players with four currently playing for the Single-A Bradenton Marauders. Starting pitcher Zander Mueth headlined the list