The Yankees are gearing up for some intriguing matchups in their Grapefruit League schedule, with Ryan Yarbrough and Will Warren set to make their first appearances of 2026. Yarbrough is slated to take the mound against the Pirates in Bradenton, while Warren will face the Blue Jays in Dunedin.
Yarbrough, who posted a 4.36 ERA last season over 64 innings, is stepping into camp as the Yankees' potential sixth starter. He’s a versatile arm, having contributed both from the bullpen and as a starter.
With past injuries to key starters like Marcus Stroman and the departure of Carlos Carrasco, Yarbrough stepped up as the fifth starter. The Yankees are hoping to keep him as a reliable backup option rather than a necessity this time around.
On the other hand, Will Warren is coming off a solid rookie season where he made all 33 starts, boasting a 4.44 ERA and leading all rookies with 171 strikeouts. Unlike last year, Warren isn't fighting for a rotation spot-he's got it locked down. This spring is all about fine-tuning his skills and preparing to build on last year’s success.
Meanwhile, Luis Gil is set to face the Mets at George M. Steinbrenner Field, offering fans a glimpse of what’s to come this season.
As the Yankees continue to ramp up, these early games are crucial for setting the tone and getting key players into rhythm. With a mix of seasoned players and rising talents, the Yankees are poised to make a strong start to 2026.