Key Highlights
- The New York Yankees should consider trading rising pitcher Will Warren this offseason.
- Warren’s 2025 season was solid but showed signs of regression in the second half.
- The Yankees have a pitching surplus, making Warren expendable for acquiring other players or prospects.
- His underlying metrics and recent performance suggest he could be valuable to another team.
Yankees’ Roster Dynamics: A Trade Opportunity
The New York Yankees are in a position of strength as they enter the offseason, with a clear need for rotation help due to injuries to Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole. Despite having Max Fried, Luis Gil, Cam Schlittler, and Will Warren lined up, the club’s management is reportedly open to exploring trades that could bolster their roster. Given the surplus of pitching talent both in the majors and minors, trading a player like Will Warren could be beneficial.
Will Warren’s Performance and Value
Warren made his debut as a starter for the Yankees this season and performed reasonably well with a 4.44 ERA over 162 innings. His consistency behind Max Fried and Carlos Rodón was noteworthy, making him one of the more dependable starters on the roster. However, there were signs that Warren’s performance might not be sustainable; his xFIP (3.58) and xERA (5.27) suggest a regression in his true pitching ability.
Underlying Metrics and Future Prospects
Warren’s underlying metrics raise questions about his long-term viability as a starter. His average exit velocity against (91.0 mph, 7th percentile) and hard-hit rate (45.3%, 14th percentile) indicate that he struggles with batted ball quality. While these factors might make him less appealing in the short term, his recent performance issues may also signal a decline. Opposing teams are likely to have interest in Warren due to his ability to post positive results consistently; however, his pitching profile suggests that this could be temporary.
Conclusion
A Strategic Move for the Yankees
The New York Yankees should consider trading Will Warren before it’s too late. His recent performance and underlying metrics make him expendable within the team’s overall structure. Acquiring a difference-maker through trade talks could significantly strengthen their rotation, especially given the expected injuries to key players. By letting Warren go now, the Yankees can focus on developing younger talent or addressing other critical areas of need on their roster.
