The season is over for the New York Yankees, as they watch the remainder of the postseason. One positive point moving forward is the club’s farm system. Major League Baseball Pipeline has named Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz and Spencer Jones prospect of the year.
Two Yankees Listed as the Organization’s Prospects of the Year
The end of the Minor League season has reached, and MLB pipeline has sorted through their rankings. Top prospects of each team have been evaluated and reviewed.
A hitting prospect and pitching prospect from each club were identified based on performance, development, and ranking. Yankees prospect George Lombard Jr takes top spot on the club’s top 30 rankings.
Rodriguez-Cruz and Jones were the two prospects outlined on each end of the Yankees field. This speaks loudly for the state of the franchise and farm system.
Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz and Spencer Jones have been named @MLBPipeline’s @Yankees Prospects of the Year pic.twitter.com/dWTBxnxqbS
— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) October 11, 2025
Prospect Pitcher Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz Draws Attention with Spectacular Performance in 2025
Rodriguez-Cruz is ranked third overall on the Yankees top 30 prospects list; he’s the second highest ranked pitcher in the system. The right-hander was drafted in 2021 by the Boston Red Sox
The Yankees acquired Rodriguez-Cruz in December of 2024 from the Red Sox. The right-hander spiked in development, as he started in high-A ball and advanced all the way to triple-A. He’s also advanced up the prospect rankings throughout the year.
Rodriguez-Cruz performed well in double-A with the Somerset Patriots. The prospect went 5-3 in 61 and 1 / 3 innings, and a 2.64 ERA.
Within the three stints in the minor leagues this year, he finished with an 11-8 record. He tossed 150 total innings with a 2.58 ERA, 176 strikeouts, and 57 walks. Opponents only hit an average of .192 against the Yankees prospect.
Yankees Outfield Prospect Shines Bright in 2025
Jones is ranked fourth on the Yankees top 30 prospect rankings. The outfielder started his season in double-A Somerset with the Patriots. His offensive production illuminated, putting up impressive numbers.
He played in 49 games with 175 at-bats, recording 48 hits, 16 home runs, 32 RBIs, and a .274 average. Jones was then moved up to triple-A to finish the season, where his offensive contributions continued.
Between the two levels of play, the Yankees outfield prospect played a total of 116 games, recorded 438 at-bats, 120 hits, 35 home runs, 80 RBIs, 24 extra-base hits, and stole 29 bases.
Jones finished with a .274 batting average, .362 on-base percentage, and a .571 slugging percentage.
Jones has shown great progression in the minor leagues and is at the final stage before a chance at the big leagues next year. He may be fighting for a spot come spring training time.
Both prospects, Jones and Rodriguez-Cruz are ranked well on MLB’s top 200 prospects. Jones is currently ranked 99th by MLB, and Rodriguez-Cruz is ranked 97th. Both of these prospects are projected to improve their numbers in 2026.
Therefore, they also have the opportunity to move up in the MLB rankings in 2026. Jones will be expected to make his big league debut. Rodriguez-Cruz will also have a shot at making it to the Major Leagues.
His estimated arrival time is 2027, however, the Yankees pitching staff may need a shake-up at the Major League level. He could start at a reliever spot or push for a starting position.
Main Photo Credits: Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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