The New York Yankees are relying on pitcher Ryan Weathers to help stabilize their starting rotation during the early part of the 2026 MLB season, as key pitchers Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt recover from injuries at different times. Weathers, formerly with the Miami Marlins, aims to contribute significantly to the team’s effort to return to the World Series after falling short in the 2025 ALDS against the Toronto Blue Jays.
At 26 years old, Weathers is eager for this fresh start in the Bronx despite being limited to just eight major league starts in 2025 due to a flexor strain and lat strain. During that time, he posted a 3.99 ERA, recording 37 strikeouts and 12 walks over 38 1/3 innings, suggesting he has the potential to be a solid contributor when healthy.
Expressing his enthusiasm for joining the Yankees, Weathers shared on January 15,
“It’s one of the best players in baseball for the last decade. When I have seen him from across the other dugout, I see a leader. I see, obviously, an MVP player, but I see a leader in the clubhouse. Not many people get dubbed the captain of the New York Yankees. That’s a huge honor for him. I, obviously, have seen that he is a true captain, a true leader. I’m looking forward to just being in the clubhouse.”
– Ryan Weathers, Pitcher
Positive Health Update Enhances Weathers’ Outlook for 2026
Despite his prior injuries, Weathers reported encouraging news about his physical condition as he prepares to embark on his first season with the Yankees following a recent trade. Speaking with SNY on January 15, he explained that he feels better than he has in over a year and a half.
He detailed,
“We really adjusted a lot of my lifting patterns. We really adjusted my mobility and my prep. I think my arm is reaping the benefits right now, and I’m just excited to see where the season goes.”
Weathers also noted that he worked closely with a company focused on lengthening his lat and back muscles to improve his overall flexibility and durability.
Analysts Applaud Yankees’ Bold Move to Acquire Ryan Weathers
The Yankees made a significant trade with the Miami Marlins on January 13, sending four prospects—outfielders Dillon Lewis and Brendan Jones, and infielders Dylan Jasso and Juan Matheus—to Miami. While this represented a considerable investment, experts see strong value in the acquisition of Weathers, who is entering the prime years of his career and has promising potential as a starter.
Former MLB general manager Steve Phillips expressed his approval of the trade during a SiriusXM MLB Network Radio broadcast on January 13. He said,
“Brian Cashman has been saying all along they want to continue to look for pitching, and I love this trade for the Yankees.”
Phillips added further praise,
“Now, again, we’ll see about the prospects and what they turn out to be, but I do like the notion of getting Ryan Weathers from the Marlins… But I like him. I like his stuff; I like his moxie. I think he’s growing and developing.”
– Steve Phillips, Former MLB GM
Weathers’ Role and the Yankees’ Season Prospects
Coming off a tough postseason loss in 2025, the Yankees are eager to return to championship contention in 2026. The early season will test Weathers’ ability to fill in for sidelined starters while developing chemistry with Aaron Judge, a seasoned MVP and team captain renowned for his leadership both on and off the field. Weathers’ high regard for Judge underscores the positive clubhouse dynamic the Yankees hope to maintain.
The health returns of Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt later in the season will complement the young pitcher’s efforts, creating a reinforced pitching staff. If Weathers remains healthy and performs as expected, his presence could be crucial to the Yankees’ bid for the World Series.
Ryan Weathers heaps praise on Aaron Judge:
"Seeing him from across the other dugout, I see a leader, an MVP player" pic.twitter.com/EgEm6pxbRa
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) January 15, 2026
Ryan Weathers says this is the best he's felt physically in "a year and a half" as he gets ready to join the Yankees pic.twitter.com/eIoazwL7Jp
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) January 15, 2026
https://twitter.com/MLBNetworkRadio/status/2011433325198451074
