Yankees Secure Left-Handed Arm in Trade with Marlins
The New York Yankees have made a significant move to strengthen their starting rotation for the 2026 season. They have acquired left-handed pitcher Ryan Weathers from the Miami Marlins. In exchange, the Yankees will send four promising prospects to Miami. This trade comes at a crucial time for the Yankees, who face pitching challenges early in the campaign.
Addressing Rotation Woes Amid Injuries
The Yankees' pitching staff enters the season with several key players sidelined. Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Clarke Schmidt are all recovering from surgeries. This has created an urgent need for reliable starters. Ryan Weathers steps in to provide left-handed depth behind newly signed ace Max Fried. The rotation now includes Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, and Luis Gil. Ryan Yarbrough and Paul Blackburn offer additional options.
Notably, Fried, Schlittler, and Warren are coming off career-high innings totals. The Yankees are eager to add durable arms to support them. Weathers' arrival helps bridge the gap until the injured pitchers return. The team had explored other targets before finalizing this deal. They considered Marlins right-hander Edward Cabrera, who was traded to the Cubs. Brewers' Freddy Peralta and Nationals' MacKenzie Gore were also on their radar.
Prospects Heading to Miami
The Marlins receive a package of young talent in return for Weathers. The deal includes outfielders Brendan Jones and Dillon Lewis. Jones is ranked as the Yankees' No. 15 prospect by MLB Pipeline. Lewis holds the No. 16 spot. The Marlins also acquire infielder Dylan Jasso, the No. 23 prospect, and infielder Juan Matheus. This influx of position-player prospects aligns with Miami's rebuilding strategy. The team is focusing on developing young talent for the future.
Ryan Weathers: Background and Potential
Ryan Weathers brings a notable pedigree to the Yankees. He is the son of former Yankees reliever David Weathers, who helped win the 1996 World Series. Weathers was drafted in the first round by the San Diego Padres in 2018. The Marlins acquired him in a 2023 trade. He remains under team control for three more seasons, giving the Yankees flexibility.
His career statistics show a 4.93 ERA with 235 strikeouts over 281 innings. Durability has been a concern, as he has never made more than 18 starts in a season. Injuries limited him to just eight starts in 2025. He dealt with a left flexor strain in spring and a left lat issue later. When healthy, Weathers features a diverse arsenal. His pitches include a four-seam fastball, changeup, sweeper, sinker, and slider. This mix offers swing-and-miss potential.
The Yankees have a strong track record in player development. There is optimism that they can improve Weathers' command and increase his time on the mound. Refining his skills could unlock his potential as a reliable starter.
Trade Implications for Both Teams
This trade addresses immediate needs for the Yankees. They gain a mid-rotation arm with upside to bolster their injury-depleted staff. For the Marlins, moving Weathers continues their youth-focused approach. Earlier this offseason, they traded Edward Cabrera as part of the same strategy. The deal provides Miami with valuable prospects to build around. Both teams aim to benefit from this exchange as they prepare for the 2026 season.
