The New York Yankees are considering strengthening their pitching staff as rookie Will Warren faces ongoing difficulties. Although the team views Warren as a potentially valuable long-term asset, similar to Michael King in terms of fundamentals, it is evident he has areas that need improvement before he can consistently contribute at a high level.
Warren’s performance this season has been underwhelming. Over four games and 17.2 innings, he has accumulated a high ERA of 9.68. However, his advanced metrics indicate some misfortune, as his expected ERA (xERA) stands at 4.28. His strikeout rate of 11.72 per nine innings is promising, and his walk rate of 3.06 per nine innings is manageable.
Nonetheless, his susceptibility to home runs—1.53 per nine innings—and a drop in ground ball rate from 47% in the minors to 35% in the majors are concerns. Improving his ground ball rate will be essential for his development, but currently, he presents more risk than reliability.
Looking ahead, Warren might either become a crucial part of the Yankees’ rotation in 2025 or be traded this winter if the team pursues a veteran pitcher. Despite his current challenges, Warren’s potential and promising pitch mix keep his future outlook positive. The limited innings he has pitched this year could serve as valuable experience for him.
In contrast, the Yankees are eagerly awaiting the return of Clarke Schmidt, who has been on the injured list since May 26 due to an injury sustained in a game against the San Diego Padres.
Schmidt, a 28-year-old second-year starter, recently began his rehab assignment in Double-A, where he allowed just one run over 3.2 innings and retired the first nine batters he faced. Prior to his injury, Schmidt was performing exceptionally well, posting a 2.52 ERA over 62 innings with only three earned runs allowed across his previous four outings. His return is highly anticipated, as his presence is crucial for the team’s rotation, particularly in light of Warren’s struggles.
Schmidt’s potential impact extends beyond the regular season, as he could be a valuable asset during the playoffs. His ability to either start or relieve, combined with his experience in closing games, adds significant versatility to the Yankees’ pitching options. His diverse pitch repertoire, including a cutter, sweeper, sinker, and knuckle curve, enhances his effectiveness when he is at peak performance.
Furthermore, the Yankees are expecting additional pitching reinforcements soon, such as Ian Hamilton, Jon Berti, Cody Poteet, and Schmidt. Scott Effross, who has been dominant in Triple-A with six consecutive scoreless innings, is also on the verge of promotion. These additions should help fortify the Yankees’ pitching staff as they navigate the rest of the season.
