Yankees reliever with absurd path just named best bullpen prospect in his league

When Baseball America speaks, it's a good idea for fans to listen. If they don't believe in your farm system's ceiling, it's time for an overhaul (or to at least get realistic). If they see a reason to embrace a right-hander with a 5.43 ERA at High-A, you should probably consider the positives. And if they name a New York Yankees reliever you've never heard of the best arm in his league? It's time to start paying attention to Hueston Morrill.

Baseball America published their annual "Best Tools" survey in their August/September issue, voted on by league managers at every level. In order to be mentioned, a player must finish first in a given category. It's tough to earn the typeface. The third-best pitcher in an entire league doesn't get a head nod. If you ain't first, you're last.

Given the constraints, there weren't a ton of Yankees mentions, though Spencer Jones made waves at both Double-A and Triple-A, taking home "Best Power Prospect" at both levels. George Lombard Jr. was named the "Most Exciting Player" in the Eastern League (nice). But the most surprising one by far, and the one that requires the most explanation, was Morrill taking home the honor as the SAL's best reliever.

Not just "one of the best" or "a noteworthy name". The best, per the preeminent prospect ranking system (and survey) in the minors. Definitely worth remembering the name — and, now that you've heard it, it's a pretty tough one to forget.

He'll also be taking his talents to the Arizona Fall League this October to open additional eyes in the game's best postseason prospect showcase.

New York Yankees bullpen prospect Hueston Morrill named best reliever in High-A South Atlantic League, per Baseball America

Morrill got the bump to Double-A Somerset just before the conclusion of the regular season, but his numbers with Hudson Valley were more eye-popping. In 33 games (43 1/3 innings), he posted an 0.42 ERA and converted six of six save opportunities. The righty was selected in the 36th round of the 2018 draft by the Angels (???) out of Oklahoma State, initially signed by the Yankees to a minor-league contract back in the summer of 2022 ... as a shortstop.

Talk about a developmental success story. Morrill, as a pitcher, put up a 6.52 ERA in seven games in 2023, then built on that with 56 2/3 innings of 3.34 ERA ball in 2024, most of it with Hudson Valley. This year? Best reliever at the level. It's best to start following his upward trajectory now.