The Yankees need to make a bold move with the crown of their relief corps, Luke Weaver, to get the rotation out of crisis.
Facing perhaps the most fragile starting rotation among all early-season contenders, the Yankees may find their salvation not through a headline-grabbing trade or prospect promotion, but from within their bullpen ranks.
Former Major League general manager and current MLB Network Radio analyst Jim Bowden stirred discussion this week by proposing an unconventional solution: transition reliever Luke Weaver into the starting rotation. While such a suggestion might generate skepticism throughout the baseball community, the Yankees’ dire circumstances leave few straightforward remedies.
During Monday’s broadcast of Power Alley, Bowden stated, “This is not a team that can overcome injuries. I suggested, and I know people don’t want to hear this, I suggested moving Luke Weaver to the rotation… I think he can. He could make that adjustment now. I think he’s a different pitcher.”
Bowden’s recommendation highlights the Yankees’ growing predicament. With staff ace Gerrit Cole lost for the entirety of 2025 following Tommy John surgery, Luis Gil still months from returning, and Marcus Stroman combating both performance issues and knee inflammation, manager Aaron Boone finds himself scrambling to assemble a competitive rotation lacking consistency.
Rotation woes reach critical stage
Sixteen games into the season, the starting rotation has emerged as the Yankees‘ most concerning vulnerability. The situation breaks down as follows:
- Gerrit Cole: Season-ending Tommy John surgery
- Luis Gil: Sidelined until midseason with lat strain
- Marcus Stroman: Currently on IL with right knee inflammation; struggling with 11.57 ERA when active
- Carlos Rodon: Inconsistent command contributing to 5.48 ERA
- Will Warren: Shows promise but carries a 5.14 ERA overall
- Carlos Carrasco: Despite recent improvement against Kansas City, still holds a troubling 7.71 ERA
Compounding these issues, Triple-A depth options have either underperformed or lack sufficient development for major league action. The Yankees aren’t merely scraping for solutions—they’re approaching full-blown crisis mode.
Weaver’s case for consideration
Though not a conventional answer to rotation deficiencies, Weaver might represent the Yankees’ most practical internal solution. The 30-year-old right-hander has delivered 6 2/3 scoreless innings across five appearances this season. His velocity, which showed a concerning decline earlier this month, has rebounded in recent outings, accompanied by improved command.
With 89 career starts on his MLB résumé, Weaver transitioned to relief duties late last season. While his lifetime starting ERA stands at 5.05, that figure largely predates his work with Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake’s revamped approach. As a reliever, Weaver has posted a more respectable 3.91 ERA—and notably, appears revitalized under Blake’s guidance.
Bowden observed that Weaver had discovered something new in his approach. He noted the visible difference in how the pitcher attacks hitters now, adding that Weaver was throwing with noticeably increased confidence.
Such a conversion wouldn’t be unprecedented for New York. The organization previously succeeded in stretching relievers into starting roles midseason—most notably with Michael King, who effectively transitioned from bullpen contributor to rotation member in 2023.
Trade market realities limit options
While many Yankees supporters eagerly advocate for general manager Brian Cashman to execute a trade, Bowden maintains this pathway remains largely inaccessible in the immediate term.
“It’s not like you can just go out and trade for two starters right now,” Bowden explained. “You can scout all you want—Kyle Freeland, Germán Márquez, Cal Quantrill, Sandy Alcantara—but you’re not making a trade in April. You’re not.”
Bowden’s assessment aligns with established baseball practice: early-season pitching trades rarely materialize, with potential sellers typically waiting until June or July to maximize return value. Unless a team proves willing to dramatically overpay, front offices generally resist moving valuable pitching assets before late May.
This market reality intensifies pressure on the Yankees to develop solutions from within.
Bullpen implications raise concerns
A significant consideration in potentially converting Weaver involves the cascading effect on an already strained bullpen. Closer Devin Williams, acquired through a significant offseason transaction, has struggled during his initial appearances—recording a 9.00 ERA across five outings. Though Boone maintains confidence in Williams, the unsettled setup roles behind him have made preserving late leads increasingly precarious.
Removing Weaver from his current role could further destabilize one of the few relatively functional components amid the rotation collapse.
Nevertheless, Bowden suggests the Yankees may lack viable alternatives.
“You trust Devin Williams? Sure. But who else is going to start?” he questioned. “This is a problem the Yankees have. I’m looking for solutions—and this one is in their clubhouse.”
Desperate times need creative measures
While Boone hasn’t publicly addressed the prospect of starting Weaver, with 13 consecutive games scheduled without an off-day, creative solutions may become necessary. Weaver’s previous starting experience, improved command, and current effectiveness make him a legitimate candidate—particularly as other internal options continue faltering.
If the Yankees pursue this direction, the timing appears favorable. Stroman’s injury lacks a definitive return timeline, Carrasco and Rodón have demonstrated inconsistency at best, and Warren continues developing through inevitable growing pains.
Critical crossroads
The Yankees entered 2025 with championship aspirations. However, their rotation instability has created an early-season identity crisis that could potentially define their entire campaign.
Luke Weaver, scarcely considered central to organizational plans mere months ago, might now represent the pivot between competitive sustainability and collapse. Jim Bowden’s suggestion may initially appear unorthodox—but amid such challenging circumstances, unconventional thinking could provide the only viable path forward.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
