This breakout New York Yankees player may not be with the team for much longer.
Last season, the New York Yankees had numerous breakout players burst on to the scene, one of which was pitcher Will Warren.
Warren made 33 starts in 2025, going 9-8 with a 4.44 ERA while allowing 158 hits and racking up 171 strikeouts over 162.1 innings of work.
It represented Warren's first full season in the big leagues after making a brief — and mostly unsuccessful — debut in 2024, and while the right-hander wasn't exactly Cam Schlittler, he still showed plenty of positive signs.
Warren has nasty movement on his pitches and clearly has swing-and-miss stuff, and while his command (3.6 BB/9) can be a bit problematic at times, he sometimes looks unhittable when he is on.
However, the 26-year-old may be playing out his final days in the Bronx.
Why? Because the Yankees' starting rotation is absolutely loaded, and after the addition of Ryan Weathers this offseason, Warren could be one of the odd men out once Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon return to the mound.
Right now, New York's rotation consists of Max Fried, Schlittler, Luis Gil, Warren and Weathers. Obviously, that will change midway through the season when Cole and Rodon are ready to resume action.
New York Yankees pitcher Will Warren. Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images.Warren missed the playoff rotation back in October, so we already know he is beneath Gil in the Yankees' pecking order. Is it possible he could fall behind Weathers, as well?
Taking everything into consideration, it seems pretty evident that Warren could become a trade candidate between now and the August trade deadline.
While having a ton of pitching depth is nice to guard against injury, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense for a contending team like New York to keep seven starters when everyone is healthy. Someone will likely get dealt, and Warren could be that guy.
The former top prospect may not have the value of a Carlos Lagrange or an Elmer Rodriguez, as he profiles as more of a mid-level rotation type of arm. But, at the very least, Warren has shown he can pitch in the majors.
If the Yanks need to add another piece by midsummer (and they almost certainly will), look for Warren to be one of the top names floated in trade speculation, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Obviously, if Warren comes out and pitches like a Cy Young candidate, that would change things, but if he performs like he did in 2025, his name will definitely be mentioned in trade discussions.
There is a lot of pressure on Warren to make the most of his opportunity this spring. If he falters at all, he may see himself jettisoned from the Bronx even sooner than anyone may believe.
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