TAMPA — LaGrange Faces Judge in Live Batting Practice

Carlos LaGrange stepped up to pitch at Steinbrenner Field on Monday and couldn’t help but think, “Wow, there’s Aaron Judge.” It was quite the moment.

Soon enough, Judge connected with one of LaGrange’s fastballs, sending it flying at 99.3 mph into the stands for a home run. However, LaGrange, a promising Yankees pitching prospect, showed remarkable resilience. He responded with an impressive 162.6 mph heater, captivating a sizable audience on the opening day of full team practice.

“He’s going to be something special,” Judge remarked. “You see that 163 miles per hour on the radar, but it’s also about how he carries himself on the mound. We threw a tough lineup at him, and he stood his ground, ready to challenge us. That’s the attitude you need.”

During his first major league camp, LaGrange went head-to-head in simulated innings against power hitters like Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Cody Bellinger. The 22-year-old didn’t shy away from the challenge, showcasing a fastball that hit triple digits, alongside a “special” changeup and sharp sweeper, as noted by manager Aaron Boone.

“Seeing these big names makes me feel good,” LaGrange shared. “I try to throw where I want and get my pitches in. Yeah, 102 mph is tough, but I put in the work during the offseason. Hard work pays off.”

Of course, the path through the minors isn’t without its obstacles. Striking consistently and staying healthy are crucial, but LaGrange had a solid season last year at Double-A Somerset, making 15 starts and achieving a 3.22 ERA.

On Monday, LaGrange threw 49 pitches during practice, and there’s a good chance he could stay in the rotation. Still, there’s potential for him to make an early appearance in the Bronx, likely in a relief role.

For the moment, his performance has left a positive impression on the coaching staff. Boone emphasized how impressive LaGrange was, especially on his first day with the full team in front of a packed crowd, facing big hitters. “He filled the zone well, handled the challenge of 49 pitches, and importantly, he threw lots of strikes,” Boone said. “It’s just February, but I’m excited to see what he brings.”