Every spring, a Yankees player seems to come out of nowhere, showcasing impressive skills with a sudden surge in velocity and a devastating slider, making a case for a spot in the bullpen.
This March, the unexpected standout could be Jackson Fristoe, a name that might surprise many. In The Athletic’s spring training notes, Chris Kirschner and Brendan Kuty conveyed a sense of optimism among Yankees fans.
While discussing various topics, including the team’s interest in certain players and influential figures, they highlighted the emergence of Fristoe.
The 2022 12th-round pick from Mississippi State has shown remarkable improvement, with evaluators noting a jump in velocity from the low-to-mid 90s to the high 90s. Described as “Gas out of nowhere” by an anonymous Yankees staffer, Fristoe’s progress is turning heads in the offseason player development.
Yankees prospect Jackson Fristoe showcases newfound velocity after offseason development.
Unearthing a potential gem like Fristoe from the myriad notes on 2024 big-league prospects requires a certain level of obsession, but that’s the nature of our passion.
While the Yankees are known for cultivating bullpen talent, the departure of key names like Chad Green, Wandy Peralta, and Aroldis Chapman, along with the upcoming free agency of Clay Holmes in 2024, emphasizes the need for a new wave of arms.
Although Fristoe is still in the early stages of his professional journey, having only pitched in Single-A Tampa last season, the infusion of his impressive velocity could elevate him through the ranks, possibly reaching the big-league roster in the future.
The cycle of discovering promising talents, like Fristoe, and watching them refine their skills in developmental leagues is an ongoing process for the Yankees.