Following his strong spring training performance and reassignment to minor league camp, Carlos Lagrange was awarded the James P. Dawson Award as the New York Yankees' top rookie. The 22-year-old pitcher, who posted a 0.66 ERA over four appearances, will start an exhibition game against the Cubs before joining Triple-A.
In Tampa, Florida, Carlos Lagrange received the 2026 James P. Dawson Award before the Yankees' Grapefruit League game against the Phillies at George M. Steinbrenner Field. The honor recognizes the club's outstanding rookie in spring training, presented with a watch from sponsor Oris.
Building on his earlier standout outings—including four scoreless innings in relief of Gerrit Cole against the Red Sox—Lagrange impressed across four appearances with 13 strikeouts and four walks in 13 2/3 innings. His triple-digit fastball earned high praise, with teammates like Gerrit Cole calling it 'silly,' catcher Austin Wells expressing no doubts about his readiness, and Max Fried predicting a definite impact. Manager Aaron Boone reiterated the 'difficult decision' to send him down, noting Lagrange has 'everyone’s attention.'
Lagrange is set to start Monday's exhibition against the Cubs in Mesa, Arizona, before reporting to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Last season, the Yankees' No. 2 prospect went 11-8 with a 3.53 ERA in 24 games (23 starts) split between High-A Hudson Valley and Double-A Somerset, leading Yankees minor leaguers in opponent batting average (.191), ranking second in strikeouts (168), and fourth in winning percentage (.579).
