Yankees’ Starting Rotation Faces Challenges in 2026 Season

The New York Yankees are preparing for the upcoming MLB season, with a focus on navigating through the first half of the year. Manager Aaron Boone is expected to have a healthy starting rotation by the time the season progresses. However, several key pitchers are currently dealing with injuries that may impact their availability early in the season.

Carlos Rodón, a vital part of the Yankees’ pitching staff, is set to begin the 2026 season on the injured list. He is expected to return around April or May after undergoing surgery earlier this year. Similarly, Gerrit Cole, who had Tommy John surgery in 2025, is projected to come back in late May or early June. Clarke Schmidt, another pitcher recovering from Tommy John surgery, could also be sidelined until the second half of the season.

Rodón recently spoke about his recovery on the Jan. 24 edition of “Foul Territory.” He shared positive updates about his progress and the steps he is taking to get back on the mound.

“I’m great,” Rodón said on the broadcast. “I’ll be back [Jan. 25] to Florida to keep throwing. So been throwing a lot lately. Just trying to, I guess, lube up this elbow joint and get it going for the season. So it took a lot of bones out, but it’s better now. And now it’s just building up.”

He also mentioned how his elbow feels now compared to before the surgery.

“A lot more extension,” Rodón added. “I couldn’t really bend my elbow that very much. I couldn’t button my shirt before, so that was interesting. But now I can do that and touch my head.”

Rodón has an impressive record with the Yankees, having posted a 37-26 win-loss record with a 4.00 ERA and 462 strikeouts in 79 appearances.

Ryan Weathers Steps Up as Injury Concerns Loom

With several starting pitchers sidelined, the Yankees are looking to Ryan Weathers as a potential solution for the early part of the season. The team acquired Weathers from the Miami Marlins this offseason, despite his injury history. In 2025, Weathers only made eight major league starts due to a flexor strain and lat strain, but he still managed a 3.99 ERA with 37 strikeouts and 12 walks in 38 1/3 innings.

Weathers recently spoke with SNY in a video posted on Jan. 15, where he shared positive news about his health and readiness for the upcoming season.

“I’m feeling great,” Weathers told the outlet. “Bullpen the other day, this is the best I’ve probably felt in a year and a half. I feel really healthy. I really did a dive and worked with [this] company on figuring out how to lengthen my lat out, lengthen my back out. We really adjusted a lot of my lifting patterns. We really adjusted my mobility and my prep. I think my arm is reaping the benefits right now, and I’m just excited to see where the season goes.”

Yankees Receive Praise for Ryan Weathers Trade

The Yankees made a significant trade to acquire Weathers, giving up four prospects: outfielders Dillon Lewis and Brendan Jones, and infielders Dylan Jasso and Juan Matheus. These players will continue their careers in the Marlins’ system.

Despite the loss of these prospects, former MLB general manager Steve Phillips praised the trade for the Yankees. He highlighted Weathers’ potential and expressed confidence in his abilities.

“Brian Cashman has been saying all along they want to continue to look for pitching, and I love this trade for the Yankees,” Phillips said in a video posted on Jan. 13 by MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM. “Now, again, we’ll see about the prospects and what they turn out to be, but I do like the notion of getting Ryan Weathers from the Marlins… But I like him. I like his stuff; I like his moxie. I think he’s growing and developing.”

Looking Ahead

As the Yankees prepare for the 2026 season, the focus remains on managing injuries and ensuring that the starting rotation is as strong as possible. With Rodón and Cole expected to return later in the season, and Weathers stepping up as a key player, the team is positioning itself for success. The coming months will be crucial in determining how well the Yankees can navigate the challenges of the first half of the season.