Carlos Lagrange's Yankees Future Has Become Incredibly Confusing

During Spring Training last year, New York Yankees pitcher Carlos Lagrange was the toast of Tampa.

The young flamethrower dazzled in the Yankees' exhibition outings and even had some wondering if he would make the big-league roster out of camp.

Of course, Lagrange was sent down to Triple-A, where he ultimately succumbed to a shoulder injury in late June and then missed most of the rest of the season.

New York was attempting to convert Lagrange into a relief role prior to his injury, as the Yankees needed some help in their bullpen, and Lagrange's triple-digit fastball seemed like an answer.

Unfortunately, Lagrange never got the chance to show his stuff in the majors this past season, but you can bet his name will be in the mix next February.

But what exactly does the future hold for Lagrange?

The Yankees insist that they view the 23-year-old as a starter long term, but it's hard to maintain that argument when you were just trying to turn him into a reliever.

Not only that, but New York's starting rotation is very crowded. Cam Schlittler, Gerrit Cole, Max Fried and Carlos Rodon are locks. Will Warren and Ryan Weathers are battling it out for the No. 5 slot. It also appears that Elmer Rodriguez is ahead of Lagrange in the pecking order.

So where does that leave Lagrange?

The most likely outcome for the right-hander seems to be either the bullpen or the trade block, and I am not particularly in support of the former because of his command issues. The latter? Not necessarily, but I would at least listen depending on the offer.

Lagrange has incredible talent. We all know this. But his inconsistency (he posted a 4.48 ERA in Triple-A this past year) and his control problems (he owns a lifetime 5.1 BB/9) are unquestionably major concerns.

It's also worth noting that he has already dealt with a shoulder injury.

I'm not even sure the Yankees know what the plan is for Lagrange long term, and a lot of it will likely depend on how he looks in the spring.

New York has five key relievers hitting free agency this offseason, so its bullpen could have some openings heading into 2027.

That could leave Lagrange with an opportunity to steal a roster spot, and it's entirely possible the Yankees view him as a potential closer down the line.

Of course, in order for Lagrange to do that, he'll have to actually throw strikes.

Lagrange is a hyped prospect for a reason. The talent is undeniable. But whether or not he actually has a future in the Bronx remains to be seen.