Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz, a lanky right-handed pitcher, has seen a meteoric rise in his career in just over a year. Previously the No. 30 prospect in the Boston Red Sox system and playing for their High-A affiliate, the Greenville Drive, Rodriguez-Cruz’s fortunes shifted dramatically on December 11, 2024, when the New York Yankees acquired him in a trade that included catcher Carlos Narvaez moving to Boston.
Since joining the Yankees, the 6-foot-3, 160-pound native of Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, has been making significant strides. His fastball, now reaching an impressive 98 mph, has propelled him quickly through the minor leagues, culminating in a placement at Triple-A Scranton by the end of the 2025 season. According to a recent report from Empire Sports Media, Rodriguez-Cruz is slated to start the opening game of spring training for the Yankees against the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida, marking an exciting moment for the young talent.
Rodriguez-Cruz’s progress has not gone unnoticed, with Baseball America ranking him as the No. 2 prospect in the Yankees organization and the top pitching prospect, while MLB Pipeline places him third behind fellow 22-year-old pitcher Carlos Lagrange, whose fastball was recently recorded at 103 mph. Lagrange is expected to start the Yankees’ spring home opener.
Scouts have praised Rodriguez-Cruz for his variety of pitches, including multiple fastballs and breaking balls, along with a strong changeup. His approach combines clever deception with effective movement, allowing him to outsmart hitters rather than relying solely on velocity.
Drafted by the Red Sox in the fourth round from Leadership Christian Academy in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, Rodriguez-Cruz was noted for being the lightest player in the 2021 draft at 160 pounds and one of the youngest at just a month shy of his 18th birthday. Although he was offered a signing bonus of $497,500, it was below the assigned value for his draft selection.
While starting on opening day of spring training does not secure his place in the big leagues, expectations are high for Rodriguez-Cruz’s future. According to scouts, he is likely to return to Scranton to begin the season, with a solid chance of making his Major League debut later in the year. The potential for Rodriguez-Cruz to develop into a mid-rotation starter is a positive prospect for Yankees fans looking for homegrown talent. This trajectory not only reflects his hard work but also offers hope for the organization’s future pitching depth.