The Yankees have an interesting dilemma brewing as they finalize their starting rotation. On one hand, 25-year-old right-hander Will Warren has done everything necessary to earn a spot. On the other, veteran Carlos Carrasco’s presence on a minor league deal—and the team’s unexpected injuries—may force Warren back to Triple-A, at least temporarily.
Warren Has Earned His Shot
Warren has been one of the Yankees’ most consistent pitchers this spring, posting a 2.87 ERA over 15.2 innings. His strikeout numbers remain strong at 9.19 batters per nine, but his biggest improvement has been his control. He’s walking just 1.72 batters per nine, a significant drop from his rookie struggles.
The Yankees love his ability to induce weak contact, and his 52.5% ground ball rate is exactly what they look for in a young pitcher. Warren’s sinker-slider combo has been particularly effective, and he’s refined his changeup to attack left-handed hitters more efficiently.
Despite all the positives, the Yankees may have to send him down—not because of performance, but because of roster logistics.
Carrasco’s Unexpected Importance
When the Yankees signed Carrasco to a minor league deal, they likely envisioned him as an insurance policy. That changed when Gerrit Cole went down with a torn UCL, requiring Tommy John surgery. Then, Luis Gil suffered a high-grade lat strain, sidelining him for at least three months.
Suddenly, Carrasco went from depth piece to a necessary part of the rotation. At 37, he’s no longer the dominant force he once was, but he’s shown encouraging signs this spring. Through 11 innings, he’s posted a 2.45 ERA, striking out 9.82 batters per nine while keeping 56% of balls in play on the ground. His velocity is trending upward, and his left-on-base rate is sitting at an elite 98.4%.
While he won’t be an ace, Carrasco’s ability to eat innings early in the season could be exactly what the Yankees need while waiting for reinforcements.
The Roster Crunch
The main issue isn’t necessarily performance—it’s Carrasco’s contract. His minor league deal includes an opt-out if he’s not added to the major league roster. If the Yankees decide to roll with Warren and send Carrasco to Triple-A, there’s a real chance he takes his opt-out and signs elsewhere, leaving the team with one less veteran option.
This puts Aaron Boone in a difficult spot. If history is any indication, the Yankees tend to favor veteran experience in the short term while maintaining control over young arms like Warren. That means sending Warren to Triple-A for a few weeks to ensure Carrasco sticks around is a very real possibility.
- Yankees might just have another Rookie of the Year in their midsts
- Yankees’ minor league invitee might force a Will Warren demotion
- Yankees’ top pitching prospect is returning with a vengeance in 2025
While that may be frustrating for Warren, it’s likely only a temporary move. The Yankees are going to need plenty of pitching depth over the course of a long season, and if Warren doesn’t break camp with the team, he’ll likely be one of the first call-ups when an opportunity arises.