The New York Yankees have added former top prospect Marco Luciano to their 40-man roster, signaling a commitment to developing the infielder after a resurgence in the minors. Luciano posted a .933 OPS and hit 27 home runs during his recent minor league season, reminding the organization of his pedigree.
Just a few years ago, Luciano was considered an untouchable prospect for the San Francisco Giants, known for his legendary power and bat speed. As an 18-year-old in 2020, he went viral for hitting a home run at 119 mph, exceeding the hardest-hit ball recorded by Aaron Judge last season at 116.2 mph. Luciano reached a peak ranking as the 13th-best prospect in baseball according to MLB Pipeline in 2022.
Luciano's addition to the 40-man roster ensures he will not reach minor league free agency. He could potentially compete for a spot at second base or provide depth in the outfield for the Yankees in the upcoming season.