Yankees’ Boone takes long view despite Will Warren’s late dip

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For Will Warren, this spring training represented more than just preparation—it marked a pivotal moment in his developing career. After securing an unexpected place in the New York Yankees’ starting rotation for the 2025 season, the 24-year-old right-hander will make his first appearance in Game 4 against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Though his final March outings showed inconsistency, Warren confidently states he’s “definitely ready to go.”

Warren ranked as the Yankees’ No. 8 prospect by MLB Pipeline, benefited from a series of unfortunate rotation injuries—Gerrit Cole (Tommy John surgery), Luis Gil (lat strain), and Clarke Schmidt (shoulder inflammation)—but his impressive early spring performances cemented his major-league opportunity.

“Wish I would have been better given the spring that I had to go into the season,” Warren said after his final spring appearance. “But the next one counts, so that’s what matters.”

Early dominance gives way to a late dip

Warren started spring training with remarkable efficiency, delivering 11 2/3 innings while allowing just two runs, showcasing precise command, a quality fastball, and an exceptional sweeper that consistently troubled batters. During his first four appearances, opponents managed only four hits.

However, his performance declined toward the end of spring.

In his final 11 2/3 innings, Warren allowed 11 earned runs on 17 hits, including five home runs. His closing spring outing, a 3 2/3-inning defeat against the Marlins, displayed flashes of potential—six strikeouts with swing-and-miss capability—but was undermined by two home runs and a costly four-pitch walk to first baseman Matt Mervis, which triggered a two-run surge.

Boone forced to defend: Learning curve, not setback

Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who has consistently praised Warren throughout spring, remains unconcerned by these statistical hiccups.

“I thought his stuff was good today,” Boone said. “He was really close command-wise. These are valuable experiences. It’s about learning where your safety pitches are, where to challenge, where not to. But all the stuff is there.”

Warren shares this perspective, highlighting growing confidence in his pitch selection, particularly his four-seam fastball, which he’s learned to trust regardless of who’s at the plate.

“Last year, sometimes the struggle came when it was like, ‘Alright, this guy could handle this, so maybe I need to go away from that,'” Warren said. “This spring, it was like, ‘Four-seam fastball. Here it is. Let’s see what you can do with it.'”

This assertive approach could prove valuable as he faces major league hitters from the outset.

Rotation outlook and Carlos Carrasco question

Warren’s position, while currently secure, might prove temporary depending on health developments throughout the pitching staff. Schmidt is expected back within weeks, while Carlos Carrasco currently serves as a veteran temporary solution.

If Warren performs impressively early, the Yankees might face a difficult decision. Would they part ways with Carrasco, signed to a one-year deal, to maintain Warren in the rotation? Or reassign the rookie to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre once Gil or Schmidt returns?

For now, Warren adopts a team-oriented mindset, concentrating on immediate responsibilities.

“There’s some different names out there,” he said. “But in the end, the same goal is still what we’re looking for.”

A glimpse at the numbers

Warren’s complete 2025 spring training statistics:

• 7 games
• 5.09 ERA
• 40 1/3 innings
• 40 hits allowed
• 38 strikeouts
• 5 home runs allowed

While his ERA appears unremarkable, the strikeout total and early effectiveness suggest his pitch arsenal translates well to higher competition. His sweeper, particularly, has garnered significant praise from analysts, who consider it among the best offerings from any Yankees prospect.

What’s next for Warren?

Warren is scheduled to pitch in the concluding game of the Yankees’ opening series in Arizona. This appearance represents his first major-league start of the season and potentially initiates his journey toward establishing a permanent role in a suddenly fluid rotation.

His emergence also indicates a broader transition for the Yankees—a willingness to rely on youth and internal development while navigating injuries. Boone has repeatedly expressed confidence that this version of the Yankees, despite early challenges, remains “battle-tested” and championship-caliber.

“These are guys in here,” Warren said of the 2025 Yankees. “We’re looking to finish off what we did last year.”

That goal means returning to the World Series, where the Yankees fell in five games to the Dodgers last October.

Warren, initially projected as merely organizational depth, now plays an integral role in pursuing that ambition.

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