First Impressions of the Yankees’ Newest Starting Pitcher

The New York Yankees are on a good run right now to start the 2026 season. The club is running back almost the same roster as 2025 with a few additions, specifically to the starting rotation. One addition to focus on is left-handed starter Ryan Weathers. 

The Yankees didn’t shop a lot this offseason. If anything, they caulked the creases of the roster that needed filling and added a big-game pitcher. Weathers was one of their more notable names in terms of acquisitions. 

Weathers pitched for the Miami Marlins last season, only going a total of 38 1/3 innings. He finished with a 2-2 record in eight starts and a 3.99 ERA.

The most innings he’s thrown in any given season was 94 2/3 back in 2021 with the San Diego Padres, followed by 86 2/3 in 2024 with the Marlins. 

This season, Weathers will play a big role as the newest member of the rotation, especially with Gerrit Cole recovering from Tommy John surgery, Carlos Rodón suffering a setback in his rehab, and Luis Gil currently unavailable. His offerings from the left side, along with depth offerings, are important to the club.

Ryan Weathers has had two starts so far for the Yankees; one on the road and one in the Bronx. It is important to check in on how the new additions fare in their debuts in pinstripes. 

What We’ve Seen from Ryan Weathers in a Yankees Uniform 

Weathers took the ball in his first start against the Seattle Mariners on March 30th. The left-hander threw 4 1/3 innings, allowing one earned run on four hits, striking out seven Mariners hitters, and only walking two. 

So visually, what did we see? From an analytical standpoint, he was very fundamentally sound in terms of mechanics. His delivery was symmetrical, his arm kept up, and he followed through with his release point. 

Weathers was very consistent with his mechanics and was very repeatable. In terms of command and location, the lefty was generous but narcissistic with his strikes. He worked the zone very well but stayed off the hot spots. 

Statistics and Metrics

The new Yankee addition finished with 77 pitches and 49 strikes thrown. He had 13 called strikes, 11 swinging strikes, 15 foul balls, and nine in-game strikes. Weathers understood his opponent and understood zoning. 

Most Mariners hitters saw a ton of four-seam fastballs worked high and in, high and out, or in on the hands. Some of Seattle’s better hitters, such as Josh Naylor and Randy Arozarena, rarely saw fastballs. 

In Naylor’s first at-bat, he saw four pitches; three sinkers. Two of these were on the hands, and one was low and outside. Weathers then delivered a middle-middle sweeper for strike three looking. 

This outing showed Weathers’ great command of his options, good pitch sequencing, and IQ on the mound.