Just In: Yankees Manager take crucial Decision on Key Star’s game time amid players drop threat

Amidst the buzz surrounding the commencement of live batting practice sessions for the New York Yankees, one notable occurrence was the participation of pitching prospect Will Warren. The 24-year-old right-hander, recognized as a top 10 prospect within the organization and listed among the top 100 prospects in baseball by ESPN and FanGraphs, stands poised to make an impression during Spring Training. While there have been discussions about potentially utilizing Warren in a bullpen role and including him in the team’s roster at the season’s start, manager Aaron Boone swiftly dismissed such notions.

Boone firmly stated, when questioned about it, “He’s a starter,” indicating the Yankees’ intention to develop Warren as such. It appears that the team plans to extend his innings and readiness to step into a starting role should any rotation injuries arise during the season.

Will Warren To Remain a Starter for the Yankees

Aaron Boone has made it evident that Will Warren is slated to be a starter for the Yankees, indicating the organization’s high expectations for the talented right-hander as a potential rotation asset. Warren’s impressive performance in the previous season, particularly in Triple-A where he showcased a 124 Stuff+ and maintained a 3.35 ERA with 149 strikeouts in 129 innings across Double-A and Triple-A, underscores his capabilities. Notably, Warren’s repertoire has expanded with the addition of a four-seamer and cutter, enhancing his effectiveness against left-handed hitters, a historical challenge for him. His September surge, boasting a 0.63 ERA while stifling opposite-handed batters to a .300 OPS, has solidified his standing within the organization.

In a recent interview, Warren elaborated on refining his cutter and four-seamer during the offseason, which significantly contributed to his success in Triple-A. The Yankees anticipate his progression to the Major Leagues, though their handling of the pitching depth chart remains fluid. Luke Weaver is likely to serve as the team’s sixth starter in the event of early-season injuries, affording the Yankees flexibility and time to evaluate their roster dynamics before promoting Warren. Emphasizing a starting role for Warren upon promotion aligns with the organization’s strategy, considering the necessity of placing him on the 40-man roster and initiating his service clock.

Opting for Weaver initially provides the Yankees with maximum roster flexibility and an opportunity to assess Warren’s readiness. While some may question the preference for a seasoned veteran over a promising prospect, the Yankees value Weaver’s contributions from the previous season and recognize the significance of evaluating his potential. This approach leaves Warren’s role somewhat undefined heading into Spring Training, underscoring the imperative for all pitchers to be prepared for various scenarios over the course of a demanding 162-game season.