Opt-out concerns screw up Yankees as rotation decision nears

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The New York Yankees find themselves at a crossroads as spring training winds down, wrestling with a pitching conundrum that could significantly impact their early-season prospects. With Opening Day approaching, the organization must decide between promising prospect Will Warren and resurgent veteran Carlos Carrasco for their depleted rotation.

The situation isn’t simply about who has performed better this spring—both pitchers have excelled—but rather about navigational complexity within roster construction. Warren possesses minor-league options, allowing the Yankees to shuttle him to Triple-A without consequences. Carrasco’s contract, however, includes a rapidly approaching opt-out clause that could see him depart, if not added to the major league roster.

According to reporting from Jack Curry of YES Network, Carrasco’s opt-out clause activates on March 22, mere days before the team concludes spring training. This compressed timeline forces Yankees decision-makers to evaluate quickly whether the veteran deserves a rotation spot or if they’re willing to risk his departure.

For a team already reeling from significant pitching losses—ace Gerrit Cole sidelined for the entire season following elbow surgery and Luis Gil out for an extended period—every arm matters. Should Carrasco exercise his opt-out and sign elsewhere, the Yankees’ depth would take another hit, with Allan Winans representing their next-best Triple-A option.

Carrasco pushing Yankees hard with his show

Carrasco delivered an impressive outing Friday, yielding just one run on two hits and a walk through 3 ¹/₃ innings. The veteran demonstrated remarkable versatility, recording six strikeouts using four different pitches—slider, sweeper, sinker and changeup. This latest performance strengthens his spring resume, where he’s posted a 2.45 ERA across 11 innings, making a compelling argument for inclusion on the Opening Day roster with less than two weeks remaining in camp.

“It’s looked good,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone remarked regarding Carrasco’s arsenal following a 6-5 victory over the Phillies at Steinbrenner Field. “It’s looked consistently good.”

His four-seam fastball velocity has shown improvement throughout spring training, an encouraging sign for Yankees brass hoping the right-hander can provide valuable innings amid the absences of Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil.

Carrasco’s primary competition comes from Warren, who takes the mound Saturday sporting an exceptional 1.54 ERA with 12 strikeouts through 11 ²/₃ spring innings.

Yankees’ Boone maintains strategic ambiguity

Boone indicated the Yankees haven’t reached a final determination regarding their fifth starter. “I feel like a lot of guys to this point [are] forcing us hopefully into some tough decisions,” the manager said.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone has carefully avoided tipping his hand when questioned about the rotation battle, emphasizing that evaluation remains ongoing.

“We’re not there yet,” Boone explained. “These remaining camp days are crucial for continued assessment as we determine what configuration ultimately serves the team best.”

Meanwhile, Carrasco maintains professional detachment from the swirling speculation. The veteran pitcher remains focused solely on preparation and performance.

“The only thing that I can think of is just every five days, go out there and pitch,” Carrasco said. “I don’t want to think anything about that. Just gonna wait until the end. But as of right now, just getting ready for my next start.”

Carrasco’s spring renaissance

The veteran hurler has leaned heavily on his changeup, which proved particularly effective during his Friday outing against Philadelphia. Carrasco attributes his increasing strikeout totals to refinements with this pitch as he optimizes his arsenal before the season begins.

“I feel really close [to being ready for the season],” Carrasco added. “Every start, I’m getting really close.”

Despite posting a concerning 5.32 ERA since 2021, Carrasco appears rejuvenated this spring. Boone acknowledged entering camp with measured expectations, but injuries combined with Carrasco’s revitalized repertoire—including slightly increased velocity—have elevated him into serious rotation consideration.

Strategic options for Yankees

The Yankees essentially face two paths forward:

1. Secure Carrasco on the major league roster to preserve valuable pitching depth, while assigning Warren to Triple-A development.
2. Embrace Warren’s potential upside in the rotation, accepting the risk that Carrasco might exercise his opt-out and seek opportunities elsewhere.

This decision carries significant implications for the Yankees’ pitching depth throughout a season where the margin for error has already narrowed considerably. With their rotation already compromised by injuries, management must carefully weigh whether Warren’s upside justifies potentially losing Carrasco’s veteran presence.

One certainty remains—time grows short, with the resolution required within the week as the opt-out deadline approaches.

The Yankees’ handling of this delicate situation could prove pivotal in stabilizing their pitching staff during the crucial early months of the season, potentially establishing the foundation for their championship aspirations in 2025.

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