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Yankees Prospect Pitcher Wins James P. Dawson Award

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | By Nick Prasad | Last updated Mar 23, 2026 3:24 PM ET

The New York Yankees Player Development department had announced its winner of a traditional annual award. Carlos Lagrange was named the recipient of the 2026 James P. Dawson Award for 2026.

Yankees Prospect Pitcher Wins James P. Dawson Award

The James P. Dawson award is an annual award given to the most outstanding rookie in spring training. Lagrange took this award without doubt. Lagrange is an extremely exciting pitcher to watch, and he is important to the Yankees’ future. What won him the award?

The Yankees prospect’s upside performance this spring training allowed him to take the cake. The right-handed pitcher finished the spring with a 1-0 record, a phenomenal 0.66 ERA in 13 and 2 / 3 innings of work. He allowed six hits, two runs, one earned run, four walks, one home run, and an impressive 13 strikeouts.

The Yankees announced that RHP Carlos Lagrange is the recipient of the 2026 James P. Dawson Award, given annually to the most outstanding Yankees rookie in spring training.@LagranCarlos has gone 1-0 with a 0.66 ERA (13.2IP, 6H, 2R/1ER, 4BB, 13K, 1HR) in four spring appearances… pic.twitter.com/8yx593883F

— NYYPlayerDev (@NYYPlayerDev) March 22, 2026

Lagrange Showing All the Right Traits of a Major Leaguer

The Yankees prospect stole the show on the mound this spring, exciting most of the Yankees baseball world. Lagrange not only put up statistics, but he also put up metrics that were insane.

His average fastball velocity sits at 100 mph. The prospect sits between 100-102 mph, hitting a max fastball of 103.1 mph. He recorded this as his peak in games and recorded a strikeout at 102.8 mph.

Lagrange has a few off-speed and breaking options; however, his slider is his out-pitch. He’s shown his ability to pitch and use his weapons effectively. The right-hander’s spring numbers reflected his physical output.

He is one of a few prospects who are expected to make their Major League debut this season. His services are anticipated and will add to a good cadre of arms in the bullpen and the rotation. Lagrange will start the season in the minor leagues, sniffing out his next opportunity.

Before mid-season, Lagrange should be up in pinstripes. The start of the 2026 season will be much anticipated for him.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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