The New York Yankees are witnessing a much-improved version of one of their pitching prospects this spring. After falling short of a rotation spot last season and being optioned back to Triple-A, the 25-year-old has returned with a new mindset and a more refined approach. The improvement in his performance has been evident, and he seems determined to make an impact this season.
Reflecting on his struggles from the previous year, he admitted, “I feel like last year, I kind of let that dwindle and that’s probably why I didn’t have as great of success as I would have liked to the whole year.”
His first taste of big-league action in 2024 wasn’t ideal, as he posted a 10.32 ERA over 22.2 innings. Despite an impressive strikeout rate of 11.51 per nine innings, his control and consistency were lacking. He later acknowledged that the mental side of the game affected his performances, leading to underwhelming results.
Now, he’s showing significant improvements. This spring, his ERA stands at 2.87 over 15.2 innings. His strikeout numbers remain strong, but the most notable improvement has been in his control. He’s walking only 1.72 batters per nine innings, which is the best mark of his career. His ground ball rate is also sitting at an impressive 52.5%, reflecting his ability to generate weak contact with a strong sinker. His slider has remained a dominant weapon, and his pitch mix has been evolving.
In a recent game against the Tampa Bay Rays, he had another opportunity to showcase his growth. Though he started strong, he ran into trouble in the fifth inning, allowing back-to-back singles before being pulled by manager Aaron Boone. Despite the setback, Boone was impressed, noting that the pitcher simply ran out of gas at the end. “I thought he was good,” Boone said, adding that he liked how he mixed his two-seam and four-seam fastballs during the outing.
As the Yankees finalize their roster for the upcoming season, the decision on his place in the rotation could come down to roster management. Another pitcher, Carlos Carrasco, is also in the mix for the last rotation spot but is on a minor league deal, which adds complexity to the situation. If Carrasco doesn’t make the roster, he could opt out, leaving the Yankees with fewer options. Alternatively, Carrasco may agree to begin the season in Triple-A with the expectation of a call-up, which could open the door for the 25-year-old pitcher to claim the fifth starter role. Regardless, his refined approach and improved performance have positioned him well for a significant role in 2025. “You can’t ride that roller coaster; it’s going to drive you crazy,” he said. “If you can stay neutral and put your best foot forward every time you take the mound, good things are going to happen.”
