The Yankees needed a starting pitcher this offseason with the injuries to the rotation going into the 2026 season. Today, the newest Yankee, Ryan Weathers, met the media for the first time since the trade.
Welcome to Pinstripes
Weathers is a second generation pitcher in MLB. His father, David Weathers, was also traded from the Marlins to the Yankees. David was an essential piece of the Yankees 1996 championship run, that broke the title drought. The Yankees are now in the midst of another, and Ryan Weathers looks to help break that.
“I had just uh I just finished up my bullpen” He said. “and I get back to the house, I have like a little travel sauna, so I was in the sauna one of those with my head just peeking out and I literally probably had sat on my couch for about two seconds and I got a phone call from from Peter Bendix that I had been traded to the Yankees.”
“And then kinda everything just ensued from there, I talked to Cashman and then talked to Boonie and just pure shock. I just couldn’t believe that the New York Yankees were like a team that I could ever have a chance to play for. So I’m I’m really excited.”
“I’m looking forward to putting the pinstripes on, it’s an incredible honor. It’s an incredible honor when an organization of this caliber wants you to pitch for them.”
Weathers also mentioned talking to his dad after the trade. His dad shared that the loudest he has heard Yankee Stadium was when he struck out Javy López with a runner on third base and one out in the sixth inning.
Some Health Concerns?
One of the big concerns that many saw with the acquisition of Weathers is his health track record. This offseason, has been a good one in terms of health for Weathers. “I had a bullpen the other day” Weathers said. “This is the best i’ve probably felt in a year and a half.”
“I really did a a dive and work with the company on you know figuring out how to lengthen my lat out, lengthen my back out. Um we really adjusted a lot of my lifting patterns we, really adjusted my mobility and my prep work. I think my arm is reaping the benefits right now and I’m just excited to see where the season goes.”
Weathers is working this offseason to make sure he can be healthy for the 2026 season.
Weathers Working on Pitch Mix
One thing is for sure — Weathers has the arsenal to be a big league pitcher. He told the media Thursday that he already had a conversation with Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake. Blake suggests that he uses his two-seamer more to set up his four-seamer. The two will likely figure out more ways to shape his pitch mix for more success. Below is a breakdown from statcast of his pitch usage from 2025.
Now, the Yankees will look to develop Weathers as a starter ahead of the 2026 season, unless the Yankees acquire another starter.
Top Image Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images