Will Warren has been an indispensable piece of the Yankees' rotation

New York Yankees pitcher Will Warren. Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Will Warren has been an indispensable piece of the Yankees' rotation

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Jun 1, 2026 1:33 PM ET

Will Warren has transformed from a rising prospect into a vital part of the rotation for the New York Yankees. After leading the league in starts last season as a rookie, he's been a dominant force on the mound demonstrating poise and composure like a veteran.

The Yankees recorded a 13 run third inning on Sunday, flirting with a franchise record, while Warren was the starter on the mound putting up a strong six-inning performance in a high scoring 13-8 victory against the Athletics.

While he gave up three runs, none of them were earned. He also struck out five while giving up six hits and three walks.

His 7-1 record (tied for 3rd in the AL) with a 3.22 ERA and 70 strikeouts across his first 12 starts has him entrenched as one of the Yankees most reliable arms.

Warren has put up five quality starts (6+ innings with three or fewer earned runs) this season and averages 5.1 innings per start, providing reliable durability while limiting hard contact through inducing ground balls (42% ground ball rate) and swing and misses.

His consistent performance and ability to efficiently eat up innings has made the front office's job that much more difficult when it comes to roster decisions regarding the rotation.

Will Warren is 7-1 with a 3.22 ERA. How do you take this guy out of the rotation when Fried is healthy? How do you not give this guy a start in the postseason?? How do you relegated him to the bullpen come playoff time?#Yankees
— Mark Gruskin (@grudz2) May 31, 2026

Will Warren's dominant performance cementing him as critical arm in rotation

The Yankees possess elite starting pitching depth, giving them a good problem when it comes to Max Fried returning to the rotation. With the way Warren has been performing, moving him out of the rotation would be a difficult decision.

But Fried won't be returning until June or July, giving Warren plenty of time to continue strutting his dominance in the rotation.

At the end of the day, he will remain as a significant part of the pitching staff, whether as a starter or a high-leverage reliever.

He's challenged left-handed hitters by increasing the usage of his sinker (from 21 percent to 27 percent), while pairing it with his four-seamer.

Leaning on the sinker has made it harder for lefties to determine which heater is coming. His strong 22.6 percent strikeout rate against lefties has allowed him to be a sneaky good yet overlooked starter.

You can never have too much pitching, but the Yankees will have some thinking to do when Fried returns.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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