Yeah, I am excited and I am gonna write about it and follow this and hype this just as much as some other prospect that I refuse to name. It's Elmer Rodriguez time, y'all! It's a big deal.
I've been talking a lot about Elmer recently and for good reason. He has been damn good down in Triple-A and he has earned this opportunity. Today, we get to see Elmer make his major league debut in Arlington, Texas! Twitter at least shares my enthusiasm, this video was all over my feed.
The timing couldn't be more perfect. The Yankees decided to pitch Elmer in front of other starters because playing today keeps him close to his planned Triple-A start Tuesday. He stays close to schedule, the Yankees get an off day on Thursday and the stars align for an exciting debut. Aaron Boone thinks Elmer will get at least two starts as the Yankees wait on Carlos Rodon's return to the team. He made his first rehab start last week so now we get to see what the Yankees best pitching prospect.
Ever since the Yankees acquired Elmer from the Red Sox in a December 2024 trade for catcher Carlos Naravez, the Sox have been bragging about how good their new catcher has been doing. This trade has turned into a bigger trade than either side expected now that Narvaez has become Boston's primary catcher and finished sixth in the American League Rooking of the Year voting last season. Equally impressive, Elmer was once considered to be a mid-tier prospect knocking on Double-A's door and he has quickly climbed the ranks with an improved pitching arsenal that gives him a MLB opprtunity.
I like Elmer because he has a developed pitching arsenal. He doesn't rely on just one pitch and he can throw multiple pitches with conviction. His fastball isn't overpowering but he has good command and mixes them in with a changeup, slider, curveball and an occasional cutter. Scouts have also given good scouting reports on an above average sinker that induces a lot of ground ball action that I really would like to see for myself. He is no stranger to fooling hitters into hitting some ground balls and that talent in Yankee stadium would be a HUGE plus.
It's been a long time since I have been this excited about a pitching prospect. In fact, if you may remember the Killer B's who were in the Yankees system from 2010-2011....it's been that long. We don't have a great history of developing pitchers. I am hoping Elmer changes that....
In fact I am hoping Elmer could be the glue that keeps this team together in the future. OKAY, no more corny jokes I promise, but I am really excited to see what this kid's got!
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