Spring training is in full swing, and the New York Yankees are right into it, three games in. As the players shake the rust off and slowly ramp up, management will zone in on possible promotions. Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz will be one of those focuses.
The focus around the team as of late has primarily been on free agents, possible additions, and the Yankees’ main stock. But the grassroots of the farm system is and will continue to be important to the future of the club. An intriguing part of that equation is Rodriguez-Cruz.
Rodriguez-Cruz is a right-handed pitcher that the Yankees acquired back in December. He was sent over from the Boston Red Sox, along with cash considerations, in exchange for catcher Carlos Narváez. He was a top prospect in Boston. Rodriguez-Cruz has shown strong potential to climb his way through the Yankees’ ranks. 2025 will be a meaningful year for his development and career.
Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz’s Background and Early Career
The right-handed starter is originally from Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico. He was drafted in the fourth round of the 2021 MLB Draft, out of Leadership Christian Academy in Puerto Rico.
Rodriguez-Cruz started his professional journey in 2022, splitting between Rookie ball and Low-A. In two separate leagues that season, Rodriguez-Cruz threw 38 1/3 innings with clean work and dominant stuff.
He struck out 42 batters, only walking 15, allowing eight earned runs on only 31 hits. His finishing ERA was 1.88.
In 2023, his innings increased to 55 1/3, allowing 43 hits, 16 earned runs, struck out 51 strikeouts, and 27 walks. He recorded a 2.60 ERA that season.
Last Season Was a Stock-Builder
Rodriguez-Cruz opened eyes in 2024, and his 2023 season jolted him up to High-A. He spent time between both sides of A-ball. The right-handed pitcher totaled 89 2/3 innings between both leagues.
He struck out a wild 102 hitters, walking only 43, and allowing only 29 earned runs and 65 hits. His ERA barely increased to 2.91 in 21 games. This performance was not only numerically intriguing, but his physical outings were outstanding.
Rodriguez-Cruz’s 2025 season could very well begin in Double-A. A hot spring training showout can advance him to the next level, putting him on a good pace to advance to the big leagues. He’s shown a strong ability to compete on the mound with a legit starter demeanor and ability to go deep into his outings.
Rodriguez-Cruz’s Scouting Synopsis
Newly acquired #Yankees prospect Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz was a consensus top-30 prospect in the Red Sox organization:
FanGraphs: #7
MLB Pipeline: #13
Baseball America: #20
SoxProspects: #25He has reached 99 MPH on his fastball and is only 21-years-old. pic.twitter.com/U0lTVEbL1L
— Ryan Garcia (@RyanGarciaESM) December 12, 2024
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The starter stands a strong 6’3” at a slim-athletic build, weighing 160 lbs. He has long limbs, lifted by a consistent leg kick, whipping arm action, an over-the-top, well-balanced finish, and a strong turnover.
He has a four-pitch mix, led by a developed fastball from 91-93 mph, now up to 99 mph with good control and run. All three of his off-speed and breaking options are used effectively, with his slider being his out-pitch, sitting in the upper 80s.
His curveball sweeps with good depth and works in the upper 70s to low 80s, followed by a splitter that mixes well when needed.
This spring camp will be huge for the young starter. He can tiptoe on the edge to the next level or even advance to Double-A off the bat with a solid showing. Rodriguez-Cruz will be under the microscope this month.
Photo Credit: © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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