Several New York Yankees prospects participated in the 2025 Arizona Fall League, a competition known for its hitter-friendly environment. Right-hander Cade Smith stood out among them, going 21 batters before giving up his first hit. Smith, ranked as the Yankees’ No. 19 prospect, is 23 years old and pitched for Mesa’s staff, which had a combined ERA of 6.98.
Smith threw three no-hit relief innings in his debut and continued into his fourth inning during his second appearance before allowing a hit to his final batter. He also pitched a nine-pitch scoreless inning in the Fall Stars Game and finished with a 2.13 ERA over 12 2/3 innings, striking out 14 and walking two.
Smith missed much of the regular season due to a right shoulder injury but has been effective when healthy. Since being drafted in the sixth round in 2023 from Mississippi State, he has maintained a career ERA of 3.31 with an average of nearly eleven strikeouts per nine innings across two seasons.
His pitching relies on strong breaking balls—a plus slider and above-average curveball—alongside a developing changeup. This mix helped him find success despite having below-average fastball velocity.
Other Yankees prospects had mixed results:
– Bryce Cunningham (No. 5 prospect) relied on what may be the best changeup among Fall League pitchers but used it sparingly and struggled with command overall, finishing with a 10.38 ERA.
– Hueston Morrill served as Mesa’s closer in eight games, converting two saves and posting a 3.12 ERA over just under nine innings despite more walks than strikeouts.
– Adam Stone returned from injury but gave up seven earned runs over five-plus innings across seven outings.
– Brady Kirtner posted strong numbers during the regular season but allowed almost two hits per inning in Arizona, ending with a 6.14 ERA over seven appearances.
– Coby Morales played eight games at infielder, hitting one home run and collecting seven RBIs.
– Catcher Manuel Palencia was recognized for defense rather than offense; he batted .217 with one home run and caught about one-fifth of attempted base stealers.
– Enmanuel Tejada returned from knee surgery this year and played multiple positions; he stole thirteen bases while hitting .254 over twenty fall league games.
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