A new MLB rumor offers the New York Yankees an intriguing high upside trade option for the middle of their 2026 starting rotation.
This will be another interesting offseason for the Yanks. After reaching the World Series a year ago, the club fell well short of its goals when it was ousted in the Divisional Round by rivals the Toronto Blue Jays. The decisive setback is sure to set off notable roster changes and adjustments this winter.
One of New York’s top priorities this offseason will be re-signing veteran star Cody Bellinger. They also want to add to the bullpen. However, they must add impact depth to their rotation with both Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon expected to miss time early in the season as they finish up their recovery from surgeries on their pitching arms.
While the Yankees have been linked to some notable talent on the free agent and trade market, if the team could find an affordable player to fill that rotation need, owner Hal Steinbrenner would be grateful. Well, a potential option has emerged in a new report from The Athletic.
There have been various reports about the Miami Marlins taking trade offers on top pitchers Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera. However, according to Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal, they are also listening to offers on five-year veteran Ryan Weathers.
Why the NY Yankees should be interested in a trade for Ryan Weathers
At first glance, Weathers does not seem like that interesting of a player, and more of a back-end of the rotation talent. And that is fair. The best ERA he has posted for a season was 3.66, and there are major red flags when it comes to his health. He has dealt with injury issues throughout his career.
However, there is a reason why The Athletic insiders also reported that “multiple teams have expressed interest” in a trade. First, he is only 25 and hasn’t reached his prime. With that youth also comes a very team-friendly contract. The young pitcher is on the books through 2028.
- 2025 Ryan Weathers stats: 2-2 record, 3.99 ERA, 1.278 WHIP, 37 SO, 12 BB, 38.1 IP
What he has shown on the field over the last couple of years, especially in 2024, is why scouts around the game see a lot of potential. He cut down on his walks, and he showed major improvements in his velocity and the break on his pitches last year. It’s why some around MLB believe he can have elite stuff if he keeps working on it. Unfortunately, a freak injury in 2025 limited his time on the mound.
If the Yankees are looking for a low-cost, high upside talent that is under team control for multiple seasons, and they are willing to give up solid prospects, Weathers should, or may already be on the club’s radar.
