Make no mistake: the New York Yankees should be concerned.
Back in January, the New York Yankees swung a surprising trade with the Miami Marlins, acquiring pitcher Ryan Weathers.
The Yankees were pursuing Freddy Peralta and MacKenzie Gore at the time, but chose to settle for the cheaper — and more unproven — option.
Not that New York got Weathers for nothing. The Yankees sent four prospects to the Marlins in exchange for Weathers, including highly-regarded outfielder Dillon Lewis.
But with New York wanting some more pitching depth, it felt Weathers was worth the gamble. This even though the 26-year-old had made just 24 starts over the last two seasons due to injuries.
Well, on Thursday, Yankees manager Aaron Boone officially confirmed that Weathers will be a part of the rotation. which should not come as too much of a surprise given that both Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon are starting the season on the shelf.
However, with the way Weathers has performed in Spring Training, the Bronx Bombers should definitely be concerned about the left-hander.
Weathers was shelled yet again on Thursday afternoon, surrendering seven runs on eight hits (including a pair of home runs) over three innings in a loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. In four exhibition starts overall, the southpaw has posted an 11.68 ERA.
New York Yankees pitcher Ryan Weathers. Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images.We can make the "it's only spring" excuse all we want for Weathers, but that applies more to veterans like Max Fried than relatively unknown commodities like Weathers.
The former first-round pick is still vastly unproven, and pitching in New York is entirely different from pitching in South Beach or San Diego, the latter of which is where Weathers began his big-league career in 2021.
Weathers did flash plenty of potential in Miami, particularly in 2024 when he posted a 3.63 ERA and 3.33 K/BB ratio across 16 starts, but he missed most of last season due to injuries, and he owns a lifetime 4.93 ERA and 1.384 WHIP.
The Loretto, Tn. native has allowed 23 hits through 12.1 innings this spring. Opposing hitters are teeing off him to the tune of a .390 average. He has struck out 17, but it's hard to look past those other numbers.
Perhaps it's the pressure of performing under the bright lights of New York (even though the Yanks have technically not yet played in the Bronx in 2026). Or maybe he's just regaining his bearings after barely pitching in 2025.
Whatever the case may be, there is absolutely reason to be concerned about Weathers with the regular season less than a week away.
That's especially considering it's not like Luis Gil has looked anything remotely like his 2024 AL Rookie of the Year self, either.
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