The New York Yankees offseason move has finally arrived, as the Bronx Bombers made a notable-if not blockbuster-trade to address pressing pitching needs ahead of the 2026 MLB season. On Tuesday (January 13, 2026), the New York Yankees, managed by Aaron Boone, acquired left-handed pitcher Ryan Weathers from the Miami Marlins in exchange for four minor-league prospects.
The Yankees sent outfielders Brendan Jones and Dillon Lewis, along with infielders Dylan Jasso and Juan Matheus-all aged 21 to 23 and ranked among the organization’s top prospects per MLB Pipeline. While the cost raised eyebrows, the objective is clear: rotation help for Opening Day 2026.
Yankees rotation depth amid injuries
Weathers’ arrival helps offset the early-season absence of ace Gerrit Cole, who continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery, and Carlos Rodón, sidelined after offseason elbow cleanup surgery. Both pitchers are expected back between late April and June, making starting pitching depth a priority.
In 2025 with Miami, the 26-year-old Weathers posted a 2-2 record with a 3.99 ERA across eight injury-shortened starts. He also logged a solid 2024 season (5-6, 3.63 ERA in 16 starts), though injuries again limited his workload. Despite durability concerns, the Yankees view him as a high-upside left-handed starter capable of generating ground balls and strikeouts when healthy.
Contract details and family ties
Eligible for arbitration for the first time, Weathers recently agreed to a one-year, $1.35 million contract and is on track for MLB free agency after the 2028 World Series. He is also the son of former Yankees reliever David Weathers, making them the fifth father-son duo to don pinstripes-joining legendary names like the Berras and Bellingers.
Projected Yankees rotation for 2026
- Max Fried
- Cam Schlittler
- Will Warren
- Ryan Weathers
- Luis Gil
With Ryan Yarbrough providing swingman depth, the Yankees are betting that this move stabilizes the rotation early while their stars heal. Whether the prospect cost proves worthwhile will depend on Weathers’ health-but for now, it’s a calculated step to keep New York in contention during a critical stretch of the season.
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