NYY Farm Retrospective: DSL/FCL
Updated: Sep 29
Welcome to my retrospective of the Yankees’ Minor League Season. Over the next several weeks, we will examine the performance of all NYY affiliates, giving out awards and summarizing the season. Today, we begin with the summer leagues. This includes both the DSL and FCL. Without further ado, let’s get to the action!
Please note, Yostin Pena will be included in the Low-A review, so don’t be confused when you don’t see him
Storyline of the Season - A big summer for IFA prospects
It is no secret that the Yankees’ IFA history has been spotty over the last decade, especially when it comes to their high-priced signings. The 2023 FCL team is the last dominant summer league squad we have seen in quite a while, and even then, Carlos Lagrange is really the only main member of that roster to live up to or exceed expectations. The 2026 FCL and DSL teams showed similar levels of promise to that 2023 FCL squad. Especially on the hitting side, multiple hitting prospects found themselves near the top of the DSL and FCL leaderboards, headlined by Jose Castro and Wilberson de Pena leading all qualified FCL hitters in wRC+, while David Carrera and Juan Torres ranked 5th and 6th in the DSL. While it is still far too early to know that these players will deliver once they reach full season ball, it is encouraging to have that promise again.
Unsung Hero - Jose Castro, OF
Let us start with our Unsung Hero award, going to a player who performed very well, but did not get the publicity he probably deserved. As mentioned, Jose Castro led FCL qualified hitters in wRC+, yet the attention was all on Wilberson de Pena. Being a year older than de Pena provides the context for why he isn’t receiving the same prospect ranking attention, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t celebrate what he did. In 42 games, Castro slashed .328/.488/.552 with 7 home runs, 24.1 K%, 18.1 BB%, and a 158 wRC+. It was a real breakout for the 2023 IFA, who missed all of 2024 season and only had a 111 wRC+ in 2025. The under-the-hood data is encouraging, with good exit velocities, decent zone contact rates, and good swing decisions. While getting the ball off the ground a bit more will be key for his development, Castro has proven himself to be worth watching when he makes his likely full-season debut in Tampa next year.
Most Improved - Isaias Castillo, OF
The most improved player goes to the player who showed the biggest season-to-season growth within the organization. Isaias Castillo fits this like a glove, as the 18 year old outfielder went from a 90 wRC+ in 2025 to 132 in 2026. Most notable in his performance were his 14 home runs. Not only was this a 13 home run improvement year-over-year, but Castillo led all of DSL in the category by 3. There are still some concerns with his game, namely his 30% strikeout rate for the second consecutive season. However, the major improvement in his game power, cutting his groundball rate in half from 50 to 25%, was very impressive. With a likely move stateside to play in FCL next season, lets see if he can continue to access his game power with ease.
Breakout Player - Poly Ojeda, C
Different from most improved, breakout is more focused on guys who are new to the organization that came out of nowhere. Signed for only 30k out of Venezuela, it is safe to say Ojeda wasn’t one of the primary IFA signings from the 2026 class to watch. That didn’t stop the 17-year-old catcher from raking. In 36 games, Ojeda slashed .313/.466/.536 with 5 home runs, 13.5 K%, 18.9 BB%, and a 140 wRC+. While the early signs of some game power is encouraging, it is Ojeda’s ability to make contact and strong swing decisions that are most impressive. With more walks than strikeouts, Ojeda was constantly on base and putting the ball in play. With only a .337 BABIP, Ojeda wasn’t overly dependent on ball in play luck like many guys in the summer leagues can be. Ojeda is officially on the radar as one of the top members of the 2026 IFA class.
Cy Young - Cesar Acosta, RHP
Pitching in the summer leagues can be a bit of a roller coaster, as the run environment is very high and defense can be rough. That didn’t stop the Yankees from having two of the best pitchers in the DSL in Cesar Acosta and Fredy Penuelas. While both are deserving, Acosta’s season was just a bit better overall. In 51.2 innings, Acosta had a 3.31 ERA, 3.35 FIP, 34.5 K%, and 10.3 BB%. It was a markedly improved 19-year-old season for Acosta, who finished 4th in FIP and 3rd in K-BB% out of the 243 pitchers with 30 or more innings. Cutting his walk rate down from 22% in 2025 was the biggest improvement for the young righty, as his improved control allowed him to stay in games longer and keep runners off the basepaths. The Yankees have gone a few years without a top IFA pitcher emerging from their system, so let’s hope Acosta’s breakout will carry over to the FCL and beyond.
Runner Up: Freddy Penuelas, LHP | 52 IP, 1.56 ERA, 3.91 FIP, 27.7 K%, 9.4 BB%
MVP - Wilberson De Pena, OF
I don’t think anyone is surprised to see De Pena here, as his sensational campaign was one of the consistent talking points on the farm this year. Acquired for Oswald Peraza in an overlooked trade last trade deadline, De Pena went on to slash .358/.411/.677 with 16 home runs, 19.8 K%, 6.9 BB%, and a 152 wRC+. Like Castillo at the DSL, De Pena led the both complex leagues (FCL and ACL) in home runs, breaking the FCL single season record. Solely on the FCL front, De Pena won the triple crown. It was a dominant summer for De Pena, going from a random trade piece to a Bonafide prospect. While his short stint in Low-A didn’t go as swimmingly, exposing some concerns with his swing decisions and contact, there is no doubt that the Yankees have found a power hitting prospect with legitimate upside.
Runner Up: Juan Torres, 2B | 248 PA, .385/.470/.644, 8 HR, 7.3 K%, 11.3 BB%, 159 wRC+
Every Prospect. Every Level. Every Day.
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