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How the Yankees Rotation Could Shake Out This Postseason

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | By Nick Prasad | Last updated Sep 25, 2025 11:43 PM ET

The New York Yankees have clawed their way back into the fight for the American League East. As the postseason moves closer and closer, the Yankees need to establish a methodical starting rotation to meet both circumstances.

The Yankees could very well end up as a Wild Card winner or the American League East champions. The club is right there with the Toronto Blue Jays, and both outcomes are on the table.

The Bronx Bombers have a slightly different rotation from last year. This season, the club is missing a big piece to the puzzle, but it also gained a huge piece in the offseason.

Gerrit Cole was the ace last season, and not having him this year is a blow to the team. Now in his place as the ace is right-hander Max Fried.

2024’s Yankees Rotation

Cole and left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodón ran the show in the Bronx postseason last year. They were the Yankees’ two most successful arms in the 2024 regular season. Cole went 8-5 with a 3.41 ERA. He was without question the ace and started five games in last year’s postseason, finishing with a 2.17 ERA in 29 innings. His repertoire was on point despite a late start to his season.

Rodón won 16 games and lost only nine for the Yankees last year in the regular season. He threw 17 2/3 innings in the postseason, going 1-2 with a 5.60 ERA, 25 strikeouts, and one walk.

Clarke Schmidt was also in the rotation and offered competitive but inconsistent innings. Luis Gil was in the rotation, and Marcus Stroman was in reserve.

What Would the 2025 Rotation Look Like?

Max Fried will lead off the 2025 postseason rotation, being the Yankees’ ace. The left-hander has been a workhorse this year, providing many victories and consistent reliability. He recently improved to 19-5, flashing a dominant 2.86 ERA.

By choice, Fried will be the do-or-die arm that sees the bump when the situation calls for it. He’s been a valuable offseason addition, brought in for such circumstances.

Max Fried’s 1st Regular Season in Pinstripes:
– 19 Wins (leads @MLB)
– 2.86 ERA
– 189 Ks
– All-Star pic.twitter.com/TwZqWG8Yq4

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 25, 2025

Rodón is in a similar spot as he was last season. He has a 17-9 record this season, also dominant in his starts and keeping hitters on their toes. The hope for Rodón will be his consistency in the postseason, when it matters.

His 2024 postseason stint, for the most part, did not inspire much confidence. His left-handed abilities are crucial against the competition to come.

Luis Gil has improved to 4-1 in his 10-game activity so far in 2025. Coming back from injury, his workload was shortened. He pitched eight total innings last October in two no-decisions. The Yankees will hope he can be an innings eater this October.

Cam Schlittler or Will Warren?

Both Cam Schlittler and Will Warren were top-ranked prospects who battled to be in the big leagues. Both pitchers have made noise in their campaign for a postseason starter role.

They are each at a .500 win-loss record, with Warren recording more innings than Schlittler. The two pitchers could both deliver quality starts in October if called on. This decision will be a toss-up.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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