Every season, a contender needs more than its stars. Breakout performances from overlooked or lightly regarded players often determine whether a team merely competes or truly contends.
For the New York Yankees in 2026, several players sit just outside the spotlight but carry underlying metrics that hint at much more. Using a mix of FanGraphs and Baseball Savant data, here are five Yankees who could quietly become impact contributors this season.
Ben Rice (1B/C/DH)
If there’s one name on this list who could turn into a middle-of-the-order bat, it’s Ben Rice.
2025 underlying metrics:
- Average exit velocity: 93+ mph
- Hard-hit rate: 55%+
- Barrel rate: 15%+
- xwOBA: near .390–.400
- wRC+: ~130 (FanGraphs)
Those are not just “solid” numbers, they’re elite contact quality indicators. Rice consistently produces loud contact, the type typically associated with established power hitters. With Paul Goldschmidt back in the mix as a platoon partner, Rice may not open the year as the everyday first baseman. But if his Statcast profile holds, it will be difficult to keep that level of impact contact out of the lineup for long.
Breakout path: Rice produces a 35+ home runs in 2026.
Fernando Cruz (RHP)
Cruz may already have the most dominant single pitch in the Yankees’ bullpen.
2025 metrics:
- Strikeout rate: 30%+
- K/9: over 13
- FIP: around 3.00
- Splitter whiff rate: ~58–60%
That splitter alone gives Cruz late-inning upside. Very few relievers generate that kind of swing-and-miss rate on a single pitch. If he improves command even slightly, his underlying metrics suggest he could move from middle relief into a high-leverage role.
Breakout path: Cruz emerges as one of the Yankees’ primary setup men and posts a strikeout rate among the best in the bullpen.
Jake Bird (RHP)
Jake Bird is a classic “underlying metrics say more is coming” candidate.
2025 FanGraphs profile:
- Strikeout rate: 26%
- Ground-ball rate: 47%
- FIP: under 4.00
That combination of missed bats and ground balls is exactly what teams look for in high-leverage relievers. It suggests Bird’s surface numbers may not fully reflect his true performance level. If he sharpens his command and limits free passes, he has the statistical foundation to climb the bullpen hierarchy quickly.
Breakout path: Bird transitions from middle relief into late-inning situations and posts one of the lowest FIPs in the Yankees’ bullpen.
Ryan Weathers (LHP)
Ryan Weathers isn’t the flashiest name in the rotation, but his profile suggests room for growth.
2025 profile:
- ERA: just under 4.00
- FIP: mid-4.00 range
- Fastball usage: ~45%
- Changeup usage: ~30%
- Slider usage: ~20%
Weathers’ pitch mix is built around deception and sequencing rather than raw velocity. The key for him will be improving strikeout rates while maintaining manageable contact. Left-handed starters with pitch-mix diversity often take steps forward once they refine command. Weathers fits that archetype.
Breakout path: He stabilizes the middle of the rotation with an ERA in the mid-3s and improved strikeout numbers.
Jasson Domínguez (OF)
Domínguez may not be a household name yet, but the underlying metrics suggest there’s still significant upside.
2025 Statcast profile:
- Average exit velocity: ~90–91 mph
- Hard-hit rate: ~49%
- Barrel rate: ~7%
- xwOBA: slightly below league average
Those numbers don’t scream star…yet. But they show a hitter with:
- Above-average bat speed
- Real power potential
- Strong athletic tools
The bigger question is defense. If Domínguez improves his outfield metrics, the overall profile becomes much more valuable.
Breakout path: Improved defense and a slight jump in barrel rate push him into everyday at-bats, producing a 20-home-run, 20-steal type season.
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