The New York Yankees have made a strategic move to strengthen their starting rotation by trading four minor leaguers to the Miami Marlins for left-hander Ryan Weathers. At just 26, Weathers is the son of former Yankees pitcher David Weathers, who famously shone in the 1996 postseason.
In return, the Marlins received outfielders Dillon Lewis and Brendan Jones, alongside infielders Dylan Jasso and Juan Matheus. Lewis, 22, has been gaining attention as one of the Yankees’ fastest-rising prospects. This season, he impressed with a 121 wRC+ across Low A and High A, belting 22 home runs while stealing 26 bases. Meanwhile, Jones, 23, boasted a remarkable 132 wRC+ for Double-A Somerset, also swiping 51 bases.
Jasso, 23, known for his versatility, is ranked as the Yankees’ No. 23 prospect, and Matheus, 21, may not have much power but is recognized for his outstanding contact skills.
Weathers, however, brings a mix of promise and uncertainty. He missed much of the last two seasons due to injuries, limiting his appearances to just eight starts in 2025, where he recorded a 3.99 ERA. If he can avoid injuries, he could be a valuable asset. His average fastball sits at an impressive 97 mph, and he excels at generating swings and misses while minimizing walks.
According to baseball analyst Eno Sarris, Weathers has not only added velocity to his fastball but also improved the quality of his pitches over time. Increased max velocity can lead to higher stress on the arm, so monitoring his health will be crucial.
The Yankees are navigating a tricky situation as they face multiple injuries within their rotation. Notably, Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt are all recovering from elbow surgeries. With this acquisition, the Yankees can avoid relying on Ryan Yarbrough in their starting lineup.
Despite adding Weathers, the Yankees aren’t halting their quest for more pitching firepower. Rumors suggest that they are eyeing Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers and MacKenzie Gore from the Washington Nationals. Recently, they explored options with the Marlins for Edward Cabrera before he was traded to the Chicago Cubs.
While Weathers shows potential, the Yankees are keen on finding a more reliable starter due to concerns about their existing rotation. An opposing scout pointed out that the team didn’t give up any key players to make this deal, which could provide them room for additional trades.
In addition to pitching, the Yankees might also want to boost their bullpen after losing Luke Weaver and Devin Williams to the New York Mets. These moves indicate a busy offseason as the Yankees look to refine their roster.
In the midst of these changes, the Yankees are in discussions with star player Cody Bellinger. They’ve reportedly extended a five-year contract offer worth between $155 million and $160 million, with flexibility for potential opt-outs. Meanwhile, Bellinger’s camp is advocating for a seven-year deal.
The Yankees are working hard to shape their team for the upcoming season, and with their latest moves, they aim to ensure a competitive edge in the league.
For further insights on player trades and evaluations, you can consult MLB.com for the latest news and analyses.
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Miami Marlins, New York Yankees, MLB
