As the 2025 season unfolds, the New York Yankees find themselves in a bit of a quandary. After a sizzling start at the plate, their offensive prowess has hit a cold streak just when their pitching rotation has shown troubling signs. With Carlos Carrasco's struggles mounting and key arms on the injured list, the Yankees might just dip into some unconventional tactics to steady the ship before the summer trade market heats up.
Reports from The Athletic's Chris Kirschner suggest that the Yankees are considering parting ways with Carrasco, as he now shoulders a jagged 7.71 ERA over three starts. If they indeed decide to sever ties, it could signal a new strategy: potentially reshaping reliever Brent Headrick into a starter, hoping to find some steadiness amid the current upheaval.
Now, let’s break down Carrasco’s situation: his latest outing against the Detroit Tigers was far from ideal, with 4 earned runs and 3 home runs given up in just over four innings. Coming into the season with hopes pinned on him as a reliable veteran presence, the 38-year-old’s waning command and velocity have become serious liabilities for the Yankees.
And it's not just Carrasco who's been struggling. Marcus Stroman and Will Warren have been battling as well, posting ERAs of 7.27 and 6.00, respectively.
Meanwhile, Carlos Rodón, another key pitcher, is sporting a 5.19 ERA after his few outings. Only Max Fried, an offseason acquisition, has provided some stability on the mound.
With star pitcher Gerrit Cole out for the year following Tommy John surgery and Luis Gil still on the mend with a lat strain, the issues in the Yankees' rotation are front and center.
Enter Brent Headrick, the intriguing relief pitcher from the Minnesota Twins whom the Yankees snagged over the offseason. Headrick's got the potential for a move back to a starting role, a space he’s familiar with given his history pre-Yankees.
A revamped fastball and a shiny new splitter have already led to a standout showing of nine strikeouts over 5.1 innings. Transitioning him requires careful handling, but for the Yankees, it may just be the best shot at internal reinforcement until the trade deadline approaches.
Better news might be on the horizon, though. Clarke Schmidt, who shone bright last year, is working his way back through rehab and could rejoin the rotation mid-April.
He was a key part of the squad last season, owning a remarkable 2.85 ERA over 16 outings, lending hope to restoring some solidity. Luis Gil is also set to resume throwing soon, which, if successful, could bolster the Yankees’ pitching even further—provided they maintain competitiveness until his return.
But trading options are in play too, although major moves likely won’t occur until closer to the trade deadline. Demand for quality pitching is exceeding supply right now, putting the pressure on Manager Aaron Boone and GM Brian Cashman to innovate with the roster they’ve got. Whether by leveraging Headrick, promoting talent from Triple-A, or reconsidering bullpen structures, creative solutions are a must.
The Yankees' offense, now strikingly quiet after a red-hot start, is not making things any easier for the pitching staff, magnifying every Stroman, Warren, and Rodón outing. Batting originally carried them with 72 runs in eight games, but the recent lull—just six runs over their last three matches—has revealed the cracks in the roster depth.
Long story short: It’s time for the Yankees to weather the storm by patching up this rotation from within. As Carrasco looks to be on his way out, eyes are on Headrick’s opportunity and Schmidt’s return for stability, while praying for upticks in performance from Stroman and Rodón.
Hanging tough through these moves is crucial, or else the Yankees could face a tough run against their AL East foes. The season might still be in its early chapters, but by the time the trade deadline hits, the story should be one of making or breaking their championship hopes.
What do you think about the Yankees' strategies and challenges? Drop your comments below.
