Will Warren (NYY P) Fantasy Update
After tossing 22.2 innings over six outings in his first MLB cup of coffee in 2024, Will Warren emerged as a key part of New York’s rotation last season. Due partly to injuries to Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil, Warren opened the campaign in the Yankees’ rotation and remained there for the entire season, compiling a 4.44 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 171:65 K:BB over 162.1 innings spanning 33 starts. Though his first full year in the majors wasn’t without ups and downs, Warren led all MLB rookies in punchouts and finished eighth in AL Rookie of the Year voting. His fastball, which opponents hit just .216 against, showed plenty of promise, but Warren struggled to fool hitters with his sweeper — opponents batted .336 with a .569 SLG against it. The key to Warren’s growth is likely gaining effectiveness with his offspeed stuff and lowering his walk rate, and on most teams he’d be given plenty of opportunity to make those gains moving forward. However, it’s not certain that he’ll have a spot in New York’s rotation throughout next season with Cole set to return, Gil long since recovered and fellow 2025 rookie Cam Schlittler setting the world on fire late last season alongside All-Star Max Fried. However, if Carlos Rodon (elbow) isn’t ready for the beginning of the regular season, Warren is the obvious choice to occupy that starting slot.
