NEW YORK — The Yankees acquired Ryan Weathers to fill a hole in their rotation. Pitching coach Matt Blake sees something bigger. He believes the 26-year-old lefty has untapped potential that could transform him into a frontline starter.
Blake shared his vision for Weathers on Friday, just days before pitchers and catchers report to Tampa. The pitching coach made clear that health remains the top priority. But once Weathers stays on the mound, Blake plans to unlock an arsenal that already draws comparisons to some of the best lefties in MLB.
“The biggest thing is just keeping him on the field,” Blake told on Yankees Hot Stove. “There’s a ceiling he hasn’t touched yet.”
Injuries have masked the talent
Weathers pitched just 38 innings last season for the Marlins. A flexor strain in spring training cost him time early. A lat strain in June ended his year. The injuries have defined his career so far. He has never thrown more than 94 innings in a single MLB season.
But when healthy, Weathers shows elite stuff. He averaged 96.9 mph on his four-seam fastball in 2025. That ranked second among all left-handed starters in baseball. Only AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal threw harder from the left side.
His sweeper generated a 51 percent whiff rate in 2024. That ranked among the best in MLB. His changeup produced a 40.6 percent whiff rate last season. The raw tools scream upside. The execution has lagged behind.
Blake’s development blueprint
The Yankees want Weathers to change how he attacks hitters. He relied heavily on his four-seam fastball last year at 44.5 percent usage. His sinker came in at just 3.9 percent. Blake believes a different pitch mix could transform his results.
“We’re gonna get into it a little bit more in the coming days, but probably more just of a usage adjustment, especially with a lot of left-handed batters,” Weathers said after the trade. “I don’t feel like I’m utilizing my two seamers where I could open up the zone a little bit for my four seamer and my sweeper.”
The plan mirrors what Blake did with Max Fried and Carlos Rodon last season. Both pitchers increased their sinker usage. Both saw improvements in their secondary offerings. Weathers already added over half a foot of downward movement to his changeup after moving from San Diego to Miami. That feel for pitch development suggests he can continue making adjustments under Blake’s guidance.
Comparisons to elite company
Statcast comparisons place Weathers alongside some of the best pitchers in baseball. Jesus Luzardo. Tarik Skubal. Garrett Crochet. All three struck out more than 200 batters last season. The similarity scores measure pitch velocity and movement. They show Weathers has the raw stuff to dominate.
MLB.com named Weathers a 2026 breakout candidate, comparing his situation to Bryan Woo’s emergence with the Mariners last year. Woo finished in the top five of the AL Cy Young race after flying under the radar.
Weathers enters spring training feeling better than he has in months. “This is the best I’ve felt physically in a year and a half,” he told SNY after the trade.
Critical role in a depleted rotation
The Yankees need Weathers to step up immediately. Gerrit Cole will miss Opening Day while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He projects to return in May or June. Carlos Rodon underwent bone spur removal and may not be ready until April or May. Clarke Schmidt could miss the entire 2026 season after his own elbow procedure.
That leaves Max Fried as the rotation anchor. Cam Schlittler and Will Warren provide depth. Luis Gil offers another option. Weathers slots into the mix as well. The club also has Ryan Yarbrough and Paul Blackburn available.
Blake has transformed pitchers before. He helped Michael King evolve from a directionless rookie into the centerpiece of the Juan Soto trade. The question now is whether he can work similar magic with Weathers.
A family connection to pinstripes
Weathers carries a special tie to the Yankees. His father, David Weathers, pitched for the team during their 1996 World Series championship run. The elder Weathers allowed just one run over 11 postseason innings that October. Now Ryan gets his chance to create his own memories in the Bronx.
“Pure shock,” Weathers said when he learned of the trade. “I just couldn’t believe that the New York Yankees were a team that I could ever have a chance to play for.”
The Yankees acquired him from Miami on January 14 for four prospects. Outfielders Dillon Lewis and Brendan Jones headlined the package. Infielders Dylan Jasso and Juan Matheus also went to the Marlins. Weathers settled on a $1.35 million salary for 2026 and remains under team control through 2028.
“It’s just a cool environment,” Weathers said about Yankee Stadium. “I’ve loved playing there on the road. It’s the big leagues. I’m excited.”
Blake and his staff will get a full look at Weathers starting February 11 when pitchers and catchers report to George M. Steinbrenner Field. The ceiling remains untouched. That could change this spring.
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