Written off no more: Yankees’ most doubted arm gunning for breakout

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The pinstriped moment has arrived for Will Warren, and he is set to lead the New York Yankees against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday at Yankee Stadium. The right-hander, following a difficult major league introduction last year, has engineered a remarkable turnaround that positions him as a critical component of the Yankees’ rotation this season.

“I don’t think there was any doubt in my mind [this spring] when throwing certain pitches,” Warren explained after earning his rotation spot. “Last year, sometimes the struggle came when I was like, ‘All right, this guy could handle this, so maybe I need to go away from that.’ I feel like this spring, it was like, ‘Four-seam fastball? Here it is, let’s see what you can do with it.’ I think that’s been the difference-maker.”

Warren, currently ranked as the organization’s No. 8 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, found his path to the majors cleared by a series of unfortunate injuries to established starters—Gerrit Cole (Tommy John surgery), Luis Gil (lat strain), and Clarke Schmidt (shoulder inflammation). However, it was Warren’s own impressive performances early in the Yankees’ spring training that truly secured his spot in the rotation.

A rocky Yankees debut in 2024

Selected in the eighth round of the 2021 MLB Draft from Southeastern Louisiana University, Warren’s progression through the minor leagues showcased considerable promise. His major league introduction in 2024, however, proved challenging.

Across six appearances, Warren struggled significantly, accumulating a troubling 10.32 ERA while battling command issues that frequently put him behind in counts. These difficulties regularly forced him into unfavorable pitching situations, resulting in hard contact from opposing hitters and eroding his confidence on the mound.

But offseason overhaul brings promise

Committed to changing his trajectory, Warren dedicated himself to a comprehensive offseason development program. The cornerstone of his transformation involved reimagining his pitch selection and command approach. He meticulously refined his changeup to enhance its effectiveness against left-handed batters and reincorporated a curveball that adds valuable diversity to his repertoire. These adjustments were strategically designed to disrupt hitters’ timing and expand his options in high-leverage situations and caught the Yankees’ attention.

Warren also prioritized mental conditioning, focusing on bringing a more assertive mindset to each confrontation with hitters. Reflecting on his previous approach, Warren acknowledged moments of uncertainty:

“Last year, sometimes the struggle came when I was like, ‘All right, this guy could handle this, so maybe I need to go away from that.’ I feel like this spring, it was like, ‘Four-seam fastball? Here it is, let’s see what you can do with it.’ I think that’s been the difference-maker.”

Spring training: Yankees back Warren

Warren began spring training with remarkable efficiency, delivering 11⅔ innings while surrendering just two runs. During this stretch, he displayed pinpoint command, a quality fastball, and an exceptional sweeper that consistently generated problems for opposing hitters. Through his first four appearances, Warren limited opponents to merely four hits.

However, his performance experienced a decline toward the conclusion of spring training.
In his final 11⅔ innings, Warren allowed 11 earned runs on 17 hits, including five home runs. His closing spring outing against the Marlins demonstrated both his potential—recording six strikeouts with impressive swing-and-miss stuff—and ongoing development areas, as he surrendered two home runs and issued a costly four-pitch walk to first baseman Matt Mervis that sparked a two-run rally. But the Yankees continued to back him.

Seizing the opportunity

The Yankees’ rotation encountered significant early challenges in 2025, with injuries sidelining crucial starters. These absences created a vacancy that Warren was prepared to fill. His season debut against the Arizona Diamondbacks generated considerable anticipation, with both the fanbase and teammates eager to witness his evolution as a pitcher.

Team captain Aaron Judge expressed confidence in Warren’s development trajectory:

“I’m excited to see what Will Warren can do this year. He’s a guy that I feel like every time I see him, every start he continues to get a little better, show something a little new. He’s continuing to gain that confidence.”

As the Yankees pursue their defense of the AL East title and aim for postseason success, contributions from emerging talents like Warren hold immense importance. His journey from a challenging debut to a confident starter embodies the resilience required at the highest level of baseball and highlights the critical role of adaptability in professional sports.

Warren’s narrative serves as a powerful reminder of baseball’s unpredictable nature and the ever-present possibility for redemption. As the 2025 campaign unfolds, attention will remain fixed on this revitalized pitcher, with the organization hopeful that his dedicated offseason efforts will translate into consistent excellence on the mound.

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