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5 Non-Roster Invitees Most Likely to Make the Yankees’ Opening Day Squad

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Spencer Jones is among the Yankees' non-roster invitees with a chance to prove himself in spring training and perhaps crack the Opening Day roster.

On Wednesday, the New York Yankees announced their list of 26 non-roster invitees to their 2025 spring training in Tampa. Notably, the list includes veterans Carlos Carrasco and Andrew Velazquez, both of whom signed minor league deals with New York this winter.

The list also includes many of the Yankees’ top prospects, including both pitchers and hitters. While the vast majority of them won’t see much action at the major league level in 2025, there are some who have a chance of making the leap to MLB, even if it’s later in the season. If any of them have a flawless spring training, it wouldn’t be a shock to see their names on the Opening Day roster. With that said, here are five non-roster invitees who have the best shot at making the team this spring.

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5 Non-Roster Invitees Most Likely to Make Yankees Roster

5. Colten Brewer

Though Colten Brewer may be more known for breaking his hand from punching the dugout wall with the Chicago Cubs this past summer, the right-hander was actually already a Yankee back in 2023. He signed a minor league deal with the club back in December. Though his numbers are startling (5.10 career ERA), he does have some pluses to his game that could make him a usable bullpen piece.

His abilities to induce ground balls and to limit hard-hit balls may be why New York was interested in him. The Yankees characteristically like to rotate their bullpen throughout the season, so Brewer may be a part of those plans. But realistically, the most likely reason that he’ll make the team would be due to an injury (which isn’t too unlikely).

4. Chase Hampton

The prized pitching prospect had an unfortunately short 2024 campaign, suffering strains to both his right flexor tendon and groin. Before the injuries, Chase Hampton was perhaps the Yankees’ most hyped pitching prospect. In 2023, his first professional season, he won the Yankees’ award for best minor-league pitcher between High-A and Double-A, pitching to a 3.63 ERA and 145 strikeouts over 20 starts.

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When he did pitch in 2024, he showed more of the same. Yankees brass has been high on Hampton, with general manager Brian Cashman name-dropping the right-hander as one of their most exciting young pitchers. However, he hasn’t pitched a single game in Triple-A. Add onto that the fact that the Yankees are loaded with pitching, he isn’t likely to see the Bronx anytime soon. But, anything can happen, especially if he dazzles this spring.

3. Spencer Jones

Perhaps the Yankees’ most unproven top prospect, Spencer Jones raised a lot of eyebrows this past season, especially concerning his contact skills. Though the 6’6″ outfielder has shown incredible power and speed, he also struck out 200 times in Double-A Somerset this past year. At the same time, the lefty also hit 17 homers and drove in 78 runs, including 53 total extra-base hits. Many fans have compared his raw power to that of the Yankees captain Aaron Judge.

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Still, he has a lot to work on with his whiffs and plate discipline. If he can refine his swing, the ceiling is high. And if he does, it likely won’t be this spring, seeing that he still needs to conquer Triple-A. Then again, though, Juan Soto never played a single game in Triple-A.

2. Dominic Smith

With the Yankees infield looking like a weak spot, it makes sense that they stacked up on backup options this offseason. Dominic Smith is perhaps the most useful, due to his serviceable bat. Through 93 games last season with the Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds, he slashed .233/.313/.378 with six home runs and 34 RBI.

Of course, he’ll occupy a spot on the bench barring injuries, but it never hurts to have a veteran infielder on the roster. His left-handed swing would also diversify the lineup, and his ability to play the outfield is a plus as well. It wouldn’t be too surprising if the Yankees decide to put him in a bench role to begin the season.

1. T.J. Rumfield

T.J. Rumfield quietly had an excellent 2024 campaign, batting .294/.370/.454 with 15 homers and 73 RBI across Double-A and (mostly) Triple-A. He took over first base for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders after his teammate, Ben Rice, got called up in June. Some argued that Rumfield should have gotten the call instead, but now he has his shot in spring training as a Yankees non-roster invitee.

With a solid bat and excellent defense, Rumfield could be an everyday starter if he fulfills his potential. If new first baseman Paul Goldschmidt goes down with an injury, he very well may be summoned to take on the role. If he impresses this spring, he could even take on a bench role in the majors, though sitting most days would arguably spoil his development, much like it did to Ben Rice last season. Regardless, he’s a solid player who probably has the best shot at making the roster by Opening Day.

 

Photo Credit: © Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

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