Full Breakdown
Will Warren Aims for Improvement in Yankees' Spring Training
2/25/2026, 7:33:31 AM
Overview of Will Warren's Development
As the New York Yankees prepare for the 2026 season, pitcher Will Warren is focusing on refining his skills following a challenging rookie year. In 2025, Warren made 33 starts, achieving a 4.44 ERA and striking out 171 batters over 162 1/3 innings. Despite his struggles, including difficulties against left-handed hitters and inconsistent performances in high-pressure situations, Warren is determined to enhance his game.
Key Adjustments for the Upcoming Season
Warren's primary focus this spring is to improve his performance against left-handed batters, who hit .266 with a .786 OPS against him last season. To address this, he has shifted his position on the pitching rubber from the first-base side to the third-base side. He believes this adjustment will sharpen his attack angle, making it more challenging for both right-handed and left-handed hitters. “I think it’s helped the attack angle [be] a little sharper,” Warren stated, emphasizing the importance of comfort and strategy in his pitching approach.
Managerial Insights on Warren's Progress
Yankees manager Aaron Boone has noted Warren's potential for growth, particularly in managing emotional responses during games. Boone emphasized the need for Warren to maintain composure, stating, “Just not letting things snowball... you got to execute better.” This advice reflects the broader challenge many young pitchers face as they transition to the major leagues.
Performance in Spring Training
Warren's first outing of the 2026 spring training was against the Toronto Blue Jays, where he pitched 2 2/3 innings, allowing one run and striking out four batters. This performance is a promising start as he aims to secure a spot in the Yankees' rotation, especially with other key pitchers like Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón sidelined due to injuries.
Comparisons to Clarke Schmidt
Warren's journey mirrors that of fellow Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt, who also faced challenges early in his career. Schmidt noted the importance of experience in building confidence, stating, “You don’t really feel like you belong in this league until you’re a couple years in.” Both pitchers are working on refining their skills to enhance their effectiveness against opposing teams.
Upcoming Challenges and Expectations
As the Yankees continue their spring training, Warren's ability to adapt and improve will be crucial. The team is looking for him to build on his previous season's performance while addressing the specific areas that hindered his success. With the regular season approaching, Warren's development will be closely monitored as he strives to become a reliable asset in the Yankees' pitching rotation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think it’s helped the attack angle [be] a little sharper,” — Will Warren, Yankees Pitcher
- “Just not letting things snowball, when you get a little emotional out there and you want to go harder and you want to go faster — no. You got to execute better,” — Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager
- “You don’t really feel like you belong in this league until you’re a couple years in, until you start to feel like you’ve done some type of thing, whether it’s posting [pitching every five days] or having success,” — Clarke Schmidt, Yankees Pitcher
In summary, Will Warren's adjustments and focus on improvement are pivotal as he prepares for the upcoming MLB season, with the Yankees hopeful for his enhanced performance on the mound.
