Yanks prospect needed help with curve -- and who better to offer than Gerrit Cole?

TAMPA, Fla. – The most valuable advice Kyle Carr received all spring came from an unexpected source.

Midway through a bullpen session at George M. Steinbrenner Field, Gerrit Cole spotted something in the left-hander’s delivery and offered a suggestion on how to refine his curveball grip.

When a Cy Young Award winner speaks, it’s wise to listen. After tossing 3 1/3 innings in the Yankees’ 8-3 Spring Breakout loss to the Braves on Saturday night, Carr said Cole’s input has given him something to build upon during the upcoming season.

“He watches a lot of bullpens. He just loves baseball, so he likes giving his advice,” said Carr, rated the Yankees’ No. 11 prospect by MLB Pipeline. “He mentioned something and it clicked. … It was a feel thing, like throwing it with the back of your hand. It was a pretty simple thing, but it helped a lot.”

Though he was knocked for six runs (five earned) on Saturday, Carr enjoyed success in his first big league camp, holding opponents to one run and one hit over four Grapefruit League innings.

A third-round selection in the 2023 MLB Draft, Carr was the South Atlantic League’s Pitcher of the Year last season after posting a 1.96 ERA in 22 starts for High-A Hudson Valley, holding opponents to a .190 batting average.

Having a Cole-endorsed grip might help him improve. So will being able to maintain his velocity – another focus for Carr. Last season, he sat 90-92 mph with a fastball that generated plenty of weak contact; he’d like to tick that up while keeping the same results.

“I think just getting in the weight room, that’s the main thing,” Carr said. “Getting consistent there and making sure my body is ready for this season, because it’s a long one. Being consistent will help everything else.”

George, meet Giancarlo
George Lombard Jr. was among those who received an unintended benefit from the Yankees’ heavy World Baseball Classic participation: additional spring playing time.

While in camp, the Yankees’ top prospect (No. 32 overall) said he spent a lot of time observing Giancarlo Stanton’s routine – not just the physical work, but the mental preparation.

“A lot of it is just kind of picking the brains of guys that have been in the league for a while – been there, done that, and know what it takes,” Lombard said.

“I’m learning how they work, how they manage their bodies and everything in between. There’s a lot I can learn from them, how they prepare and how they go about their business, especially on the mental side.”

Of course, nothing beats seeing Stanton make contact – and Lombard has had one of the best views in the house.

“He’s been impressive this camp; he’s looked really good,” Lombard said. “This is the first camp that I’ve gotten to see him have a full camp, because he’s been banged up a little bit and had some injuries.

“But getting to watch him work on a daily basis now, being healthy and being on the field, it’s been really fun to watch.”

Cooperstown bound?
Jeff Kent’s Hall of Fame induction speech is scheduled for July 26 in Cooperstown, N.Y.

Kaeden Kent would love to be there to celebrate his dad’s big day – but it all may depend on how he’s swinging the bat.

“If I’m 20-for-20, I’m not going anywhere,” the 22-year-old infielder said with a smile.

Ranked as the Yankees’ No. 13 prospect by MLB Pipeline, Kent is entering his first full professional season after appearing in 25 games for Hudson Valley last year.

A third-round pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, Kent batted .186 (19-for-102) with two homers and 17 RBIs. He’ll look to make adjustments this season.

“The game is unforgiving,” Kent said. “My dad is a Hall of Famer, and he still hasn’t figured it out. That’s his message to me – you’re always evolving and always making changes. So credit to the coaching staff here and all the people in the organization who are around us to help us improve and learn the game.”