Injuries can sometimes wreak havoc, but they can also create opportunities for new stars to emerge. For the New York Yankees, the 2025 season could be remembered as the year of the youth movement—sparked by unfortunate injuries to veteran players.
The biggest blow came with the loss of ace Gerrit Cole for the entire season due to Tommy John surgery. As Cole works on his recovery, the Yankees are turning to a lesser-known name: Will Warren.
Warren’s Spring Performance Is Unmissable
At just 25 years old, Warren had a rough year in 2024, posting a 10.32 ERA in limited action over 22.2 innings. But baseball, like life, often gives second chances—and Warren has taken full advantage this spring. In 15.2 innings, he’s posted a solid 2.87 ERA, showing remarkable improvement. Warren’s devastating sweeper and well-placed fastballs have kept batters off balance, relying more on precision and deception than raw power. He’s also increased his ground ball rate to 52.5% and cut down on walks, showcasing far sharper control than last year. While the Yankees are pleased with his progress, Warren may temporarily be sent to Triple-A Scranton to make room for veteran Carlos Carrasco, who is at risk of opting out of his contract.
Although it may seem unfair considering Warren’s spring performance, this could be a strategic move. Carrasco, at 37, is likely to slow down eventually, which could open the door for Warren’s return sooner than expected.
Ben Rice Making a Name for Himself at DH
The Yankees are also navigating Giancarlo Stanton’s injury, as the slugger continues to battle elbow issues and remains sidelined indefinitely. In his absence, 26-year-old Ben Rice has stepped up, transforming himself from an inconsistent hitter to a legitimate power threat. Rice put on 10 pounds of muscle during the offseason, and the results are evident. Balls that once would’ve settled on the warning track are now soaring over the fence. In just 15 games, Rice has hit five home runs, showcasing the best power of his career. His lackluster numbers from last year (.171/.264/.349) now feel like a distant memory. With improved mechanics and newfound confidence, Rice could be the Yankees’ surprise breakout star, contributing at DH and potentially backing up Paul Goldschmidt at first base.
Youthful Talent Seizing Opportunities
The Yankees’ current situation wasn’t part of the original plan. Losing Cole and Stanton in a single offseason was never in the cards. However, sometimes adversity leads to unexpected solutions, like finding an old bicycle when you’ve lost your car keys. It’s not the path they intended to take, but it could lead to surprising—and even exciting—results. For Warren and Rice, these injuries have cleared the way for them to step up, take on bigger roles, and rise to the challenge. Early spring performances show that the Yankees may have found some hidden gems in their younger players, and trusting these rising talents could turn out to be a blessing in disguise.
