Yankees Prospect Yovanny Cruz Hits 102 MPH, Sparks Call-Up Rumors

Righthander Yovanny Cruz is officially a Yankee, and the Bronx is buzzing about the flame-throwing 26-year-old whose fastball repeatedly touches triple digits. New York selected Cruz’s contract from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this morning, adding a power arm to a bullpen that has spent the season searching for swing-and-miss stuff. The move caps a whirlwind 18-month journey for Cruz, who began 2025 in the Red Sox system, signed a Minor-League deal with New York last November, and dominated International League hitters this spring (0.59 ERA, 19 K in 15 ⅓ IP). Yankees officials raved about the righty’s 101 mph heater and a late-breaking slider that grades as plus, but consistency was the final hurdle. After Cruz rattled off eight consecutive scoreless appearances for the RailRiders, the front office decided the time was right. “His stuff gives us a different look at the back end,” manager Aaron Boone said before tonight’s opener with the Rays. “When you’re averaging 99-100 and commanding a wipeout slider, that plays in any inning.” Roster ripple effects • RHP Elmer Rodríguez was optioned to Scranton to clear a spot, signaling that Cruz will get immediate high-leverage chances. • The Yankees’ 40-man roster is now full, so any future additions will require a corresponding move. • Cruz will wear No. 96, becoming the first Yankee in franchise history to sport that number. Why the call-up matters 1. Strikeout surge: New York ranks 10th in the AL in bullpen strikeout rate after finishing third last season. Cruz’s career 31 % K-rate in the Minors should help close that gap. 2. Heavy schedule: The Yankees are in the midst of 17 games in 17 days; a fresh multi-inning reliever reduces strain on Michael King and Clay Holmes. 3. Future upside: With Tommy Kahnle still on the IL and questions lingering around several veterans, Cruz could audition for a long-term late-inning role. Scouting report snapshot • Fastball: 98-102 mph, late life up in the zone • Slider: 87-90 mph, two-plane bite, put-away pitch vs. righties • Changeup: Developmental but improving; flashes average against lefties • Delivery: Compact, high-effort; offseason work with Yankees’ biomechanics team simplified his lower-half timing, leading to a cleaner release point and improved command. Path to the Majors Cruz originally signed with the Cubs out of the Dominican Republic in 2016, battled elbow and shoulder injuries from 2021-23, then rebuilt his stock in winter ball with Gigantes del Cibao. Scouts noticed the uptick in velocity, and Boston grabbed him last January. When roster crunches hit the Red Sox, Cruz elected free agency and found an analytics-driven fit in New York, where his four-seam metrics ranked in the 98th percentile of the organization’s internal models this spring. What’s next Cruz is expected to debut as early as tonight; look for Boone to deploy him against the heart of Tampa Bay’s order if the situation calls for a strikeout. If the Dominican native can harness his elite arsenal under Yankee Stadium’s bright lights, he could emerge as the surprise bullpen weapon that propels New York through a grueling summer in the AL East.