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(Top Image Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)

These Three Yankees Could Break Out Next Season

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | By Jack Rotolo | Last updated Feb 2, 2026 5:07 PM ET

At this point of the offseason, the New York Yankees’ 2026 season looks like it could go several different ways. Not only will they be employing virtually the same lineup from last season, but the most significant improvement on next year’s team will be having Gerrit Cole back from Tommy John surgery. The Yankees are not only banking on guys like Trent Grisham and Cody Bellinger to have the same/similar levels of production, but also for some of their young players to take “the leap” forward into stardom.

3. Will Warren

Warren certainly looked the part of a true big leaguer in his rookie season. Despite an ERA of 4.44, Warren showed plenty of promise; not only was he able to start 33 games (tied for most in the AL), but he also struck out 171 batters to 65 walks over 162 1/3 innings. Consistency was definitely an issue for him, but Warren undoubtedly has all the tools necessary to be a great pitcher.

With Cole, Carlos Rodon and Clarke Schmidt all slated to begin the season on the injured list, Warren should have no problem finding a permanent spot in New York’s rotation. However, when/if all of New York’s staff get healthy, there won’t be room for everyone, so Warren will have to prove early in the season that his spot in the rotation shouldn’t be conditional.

Will Warren today:

— 5.0 IP
— 2 H
— 2 ER
— 6 Ks
— 2 BB pic.twitter.com/jufmdWfzt9

— YankeesMuse (@YankeesMuse) April 12, 2025

2. Austin Wells

Wells, who was drafted by the Yankees in the first round out of Arizona State University back in 2020, had a very underwhelming sophomore season in 2025, and that is putting it lightly. He continued to be one of the best defensive catchers in the league, but his offensive production took a turn for the worse. Wells slashed .219/.275/.436 with 21 homers and 71 RBI’s; for a catcher, these numbers aren’t bad at all. But, considering the promise at the plate that Wells showed towards the end of his rookie year, they are not what the Yankees would have liked to see.

Still, having a solid defensive backstopper is incredibly important; there’s no doubt about it. As long as Wells continues to catch the way he has and put up average numbers, he’ll remain New York’s starting catcher. But, if he wants to reach the upper-echelon of MLB catchers, he’ll have to take another step forward at the plate, and this season would be the perfect time to do it.

Austin Wells hits a GRAND SLAM

Watch LIVE on YES & The Gotham Sports App: https://t.co/sWMqNZ0hci pic.twitter.com/w742uYEIga

— YES Network (@YESNetwork) May 7, 2025

1. Cam Schlittler

It’s easy to forget that Schlittler’s historic outing against the Boston Red Sox in the AL Wild Card series was just his 15th career Major League start. As dynamic as he’s proven himself to be, Schlittler is an easy pick for New York’s top candidate to break out next season. The Massachusetts-native, whose four-seam fastball consistently touches triple digits, struck out 84 batters over 73 innings in his rookie campaign, posting a 2.96 ERA in the process.

First-season success does not always translate to future success, especially with pitchers who rely on velocity to get outs. There is no true way of telling how a pitcher will progress, but from what we saw last season, Schlittler looks like a shoe-in to be the Yankees’ next ace.