New Headline: "Rookie Pitchers Aim High as Yankees Seek Their Best

Opportunity just knocked — and Hagen Smith might be the one kicking the door down. | (Nic Antaya/Getty Images) Reliever and burgeoning starter Mike Vasil had his 2026 harshly stripped away after suffering arm soreness during a quality spring training start against the Dodgers on March 14. Vasil’s season-ending UCL injury leaves an opening on the 40-man roster, so at least someone will benefit from his ever-so-short-lived sophomore season.

Among the currently non-rostered players, which reliever has the best chance of claiming Vasil’s vacant spot? Hagen Smith Vasil’s injury presents an unexpected opportunity for Smith: to break camp with the Sox bullpen. Although he hasn’t seen Triple-A hitting yet, and he started all 20 of his Barons games, Smith’s most likely path to the big leagues is through the arm barn.

Falling back on Smith’s limited relief experience in college with Arkansas will give the front office a chance to accelerate his timeline while freeing up space in Charlotte for Birmingham talent that will be knocking on the door come May. Executing as a relief pitcher requires a completely different attitude and approach, but Smith should be able to adapt. While the Sox recently reassigned him to minor league camp, his latest performance, albeit a start, should be enough to kickstart conversations about shifting his role and big league trajectory.

He may start the season in Charlotte, but he should be booking a one-way ticket to Chicago’s homestand against the Nationals. Hagen Smith’s stuff looked ELECTRIC this afternoon. The 22-year-old struck out five over two scoreless innings, flashing the kind of arsenal that reminds you why people are so excited about his future.