The Yankees made a move this offseason that’s flown a bit under the radar but could pay real dividends down the stretch. They traded four prospects to the Marlins to land 26-year-old lefty Ryan Weathers, a pitcher with big-league experience, untapped potential, and a fresh opportunity in the Bronx. And now, with spring training just around the corner, Weathers is speaking out for the first time about what this move means to him-and he’s not hiding his excitement.
Ryan Weathers had just finished up in the sauna when he found out he'd been traded to the Yankees:
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) January 15, 2026
"Pure in shock, I couldn't believe that the New York Yankees were a team that I could ever have a chance to play for - I'm really excited" pic.twitter.com/EoVrE6HWD8
Weathers recently appeared on SNY and didn’t hold back when asked how he felt about the trade. “Pure in shock,” he said, recalling the moment he found out-just stepping out of the sauna when the news hit.
“I couldn't believe that the New York Yankees were a team that I could ever have a chance to play for. I'm really excited.”
That kind of reaction tells you a lot. This isn’t just another stop for Weathers; this is a chance to prove himself on one of baseball’s biggest stages. And the Yankees clearly see something they can work with.
According to YES Network’s Jack Curry, the Yankees have already started conversations with Weathers about tweaking his pitch mix. Specifically, they want him to lean more into his 2-seam fastball-also known as the sinker. The idea is to use that pitch to create better opportunities for his 4-seamer, giving hitters different looks and making his fastball more deceptive overall.
It’s a subtle but potentially significant adjustment. In 2025, Weathers threw his sinker just 4% of the time.
That was down from 12.5% in 2024. The Yankees clearly believe there’s more value to be unlocked from that pitch, and if they’re right, it could help Weathers find the consistency that’s eluded him so far.
Let’s not forget-Weathers is still just 26, entering his sixth MLB season. He debuted with the Padres back in 2021 and was traded to Miami during the 2023 season.
Over his career, he’s posted a 4.93 ERA and 1.384 WHIP across 281 innings, with 235 strikeouts. Those numbers don’t jump off the page, but they also don’t tell the whole story.
Weathers has shown flashes-moments where the stuff looks legit, where the command is sharp, and where you can see the makings of a solid mid-rotation starter. The Yankees are betting that, with the right adjustments and the right environment, those flashes can become something more consistent.
And let’s be honest-there’s no better place to take that next step than in New York. The Yankees have a track record of getting the most out of pitchers with potential, and Weathers now gets to work alongside a staff full of veterans and proven arms. That kind of mentorship and competition can be a game-changer.
So while this move didn’t come with the fanfare of a blockbuster deal, it’s one worth watching. If Weathers can harness that 2-seamer, refine his approach, and settle into a rhythm, he could become a valuable piece of the Yankees’ rotation puzzle in 2026. And judging by his reaction, he’s more than ready for the challenge.