As the New York Yankees prepare for the 2026 season, uncertainty surrounds their starting rotation due to key pitchers recovering from injuries. The recent acquisition of left-handed pitcher Ryan Weathers from the Miami Marlins is expected to fill a critical gap, provided he overcomes his own recent health setbacks.
Weathers, 26, was traded to the Yankees earlier this week in exchange for four minor-league prospects. His previous season was limited to only eight starts, interrupted by significant stints on the injured list with forearm and lat strains.
Weathers Expresses Optimism About His Physical Condition
Son of former Yankees pitcher David Weathers, Ryan learned about the trade shortly after completing an offseason bullpen workout. Speaking on a Zoom call, he shared confidence in his recovery process and physical readiness.
“I’m feeling great. The bullpen the other day is the best I’ve probably felt in a year and a half. I feel really healthy,”
Weathers said Thursday.
“I really did a dive and worked … on figuring out how to lengthen my lat out and lengthen my back out. We really adjusted a lot of my lifting patterns, we really adjusted my mobility and my prep work. And I think my arm is reaping the benefits right now and I’m just excited to see where the season goes.”
Rotation Opportunities Open as Veterans Recover
With star pitchers Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt sidelined due to injuries, Weathers could secure a place toward the back end of the Yankees’ starting rotation in April. He would be joining Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Luis Gil, and Will Warren among the probable starters.
Last season, Weathers began on the injured list with a flexor strain but managed to debut on May 14, pitching five innings while allowing a single run against the Chicago Cubs. His season was short-lived, however, as he suffered a lat strain in early June, sidelining him for three additional months before returning for three appearances in September.
Yankees’ Confidence in Weathers’ Potential
Despite his injury-plagued recent history, the Yankees evidently see promise in Weathers’ ability. The hard-throwing southpaw’s potential was enough to prompt a trade after a generally quiet offseason for the team.
“I’m just looking forward to putting the pinstripes on. It’s an incredible honor when an organization of this caliber wants me to pitch for them. It’s an unbelievable honor,”
Weathers said.
“I had just finished up my bullpen, and I got back to the house, and I have a little travel sauna. So I was in the sauna … and I literally probably sat on my couch for two seconds and I got a phone call from [Marlins president] Peter Bendix that I had been traded to the Yankees and then everything kind of ensued from there.”
“I talked to [Yankees GM Brian] Cashman, I talked to Boonie [manager Aaron Boone], and just pure shock. Like, I couldn’t believe that the New York Yankees were a team that I could ever play for, so I’m really excited.”
Family Ties and Baseball Legacy
Ryan’s father, David Weathers, had a noteworthy 19-year MLB career, including a brief stint with the Yankees. In 1996, David was traded from the Marlins to Joe Torre’s Yankees in a deadline deal that contributed to the team’s World Series title that year. He was later traded to Cleveland the following season. Born in 1999, Ryan’s childhood memories of baseball came mainly from his father’s time with the Cincinnati Reds from 2005 to 2009.
“Obviously, we’ve kind of had weird, similar paths to how we got to New York, both going from the Marlins to the Yankees,”
Ryan said.
“He still says in ’96, when he got that big punch-out [of Braves catcher Javy Lopez in Game 6 of the World Series], it was the loudest he’s ever heard Yankee Stadium.”
Weathers Ready to Contribute to Yankees’ World Series Quest
In his two seasons with the Marlins, Weathers has posted a 3.74 ERA in 24 starts. Now with the Yankees, he has the opportunity to help a franchise striving for its first championship since 2009.
When asked about adjustments suggested by manager Aaron Boone and pitching coach Matt Blake, Weathers indicated a shift in pitching style to better fit the Yankees’ strategy.
“Probably more of a usage adjustment”
to increase use of his two-seam fastball, he revealed, aiming to open up the strike zone for his four-seam fastball and sweeper pitches.
“Whatever the Yankees want me to do, my job is to throw the baseball whenever they give it to me in whatever capacity that is for however long that is,”
Weathers stated.
“So I’m just looking forward to learning from these guys. You look at the rotation, you look at the bullpen guys, there’s no excuse for me not to pick their brains and learn from some of the best.”
“And obviously the pinstripes, the Yankees, obviously, [are] the Yankees. It’s just a cool environment. I’ve liked playing there on the road. I got to play there with San Diego and with Miami. I love the environment there. I love the fans and how into the game they are. It’s the big leagues. I’m excited.”
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Campaign
The Yankees enter the 2026 season facing challenges but fueled by hopeful additions like Ryan Weathers. His health and adaptation to New York’s pitching philosophy will be crucial as the team aims to restore its competitive edge and pursue another World Series title.
With several key veterans on the mend, Weathers’ ability to perform consistently could solidify the Yankees’ rotation depth and provide valuable innings. The coming months will reveal how well Weathers can leverage this opportunity to contribute to a storied franchise eager for championship success.
