Spring Training might not be the ultimate predictor of regular season success, but the Yankees sure got a thrilling glimpse of what Ryan Weathers could bring to the table against the Nationals. Brian Cashman took a calculated risk trading for Weathers, and early signs suggest it might just pay off.
Weathers has been a buzz-worthy name around the Yankees' camp, not just for his potential, but for the significant changes he's made to his pitch arsenal. The Yankees’ renowned pitch design lab seems to have worked its magic, transforming Weathers into a potential game-changer for a team with championship aspirations.
Ryan Weathers’ Impressive Debut with the Yankees
One of Weathers' past struggles was his performance against left-handed hitters, who had been feasting on his four-seamer. Last night, he unveiled a revamped sinker with 18.5 inches of arm-side movement, poised to challenge lefties and lower those daunting slugging percentages.
His slider, a go-to against lefties, received a makeover too, gaining over 200 RPMs and an extra five inches of glove-side movement. This sinker-slider combo could be the key to solving his left-handed hitter woes, raising both his floor and ceiling.
The Yankees' pitching gurus, led by Matt Blake, didn't stop there. Weathers' gyro slider now boasts an additional four inches of drop and three inches of sweep, making it a formidable weapon against right-handed power hitters. He used this pitch to notch three strikeouts, showcasing its potential to deceive batters with its sharp downward action.
Adding to his arsenal is a wicked changeup with increased depth, enhancing what was already a strong pitch. With these tools, Weathers can strategically deploy his power four-seamer at the top of the zone, keeping hitters on their toes.
While his four-seam velocity averaged 98.5 mph, it’s the strategic changes in his pitch mix that could turn Weathers into a standout performer. His repertoire last night hinted at the makings of a frontline starter, with the versatility and command to back it up.
It's tempting to recall past Spring Training performances, but Weathers’ improvements feel different. Many lefties hit their stride around his age, and at 26, Weathers could be on the brink of a breakout season.
Despite past injuries and inconsistencies, his recent numbers-3.74 ERA and 4.03 xFIP over the last two seasons-show promise. If he can maintain health and continue refining his skills, the Yankees might have found a gem.
With these early changes, Yankees fans have plenty of reasons to be excited about what Ryan Weathers might achieve in 2026.