Breaking Down the Yankees' Starting Rotation: The Locks, The Contenders, The Injured

The New York Yankees pitching staff is entering the 2025 season with Gerrit Cole’s year-ending injury looming large. Nobody, least of all Cole, wanted to follow up an American League Championship with the team’s ace being sidelined. But, as with Juan Soto’s decision to play for the crosstown rival Mets, that’s all in the past. The roster, at least for now, is what it is. New York must find a way to succeed without their ace. 

Of course, Cole's Tommy John surgery wasn’t the end of tough news coming out of spring training. Luis Gil will also miss at least three months of action as he recovers from a right lat strain. Last season’s American League Rookie of the Year may be desperately desired by the time he’s feeling better.

Despite two injuries taking some wind out of their sails, the Yankees still have talented arms left to utilize in their rotation this season. So without further ado, here’s a breakdown of who will see time on the mound, who is hoping to see time on the mound, and who needs to step up if the Yanks have any chance of reaching the World Series again.

Who will be in the New York Yankees' 2025 starting rotation?

THE LOCKS

Carlos Rodón

Aaron Boone announced Rodón will be the Yankees’ Opening Day starter. The news was somewhat surprising, with Max Fried now on the roster, but Rodón has the primary advantage of experience. He’s been with New York for two seasons, one of which (2023) was awful and plagued by injuries, and the other of which (2024) was a relatively solid return-to-almost-form. 

This season feels like it could be a critical one in terms of Rodón’s relationship with the team and fanbase. A great season would put aside all doubts about Brian Cashman’s decision to sign him to a hefty contract. A bad season could cause people to lose faith in his abilities, perhaps seeing his time in the Bronx as a bust. In other words, whatever Rodón has left in the tank, now is the time to empty it.

Max Fried

One of the newest Yankees, Fried is a 31-year-old southpaw with a World Series ring and two All-Star appearances under his belt. Although Rodón will take the mound on Opening Day, Fried may be the most critical part of the Bombers’ 2025 rotation. If the Yankees have any hope of success in the postseason, Fried will need to deliver Cole-level starts in October. It’s a tall order, and one he didn’t quite sign up for, but come playoff time, the Yanks will be feeling ... the need for Fried.

Marcus Stroman

When spring training began, many thought Stroman was virtually guaranteed to be traded. He had, seemingly, no spot in the rotation and had publicly declared he wasn’t interested in being anything other than a starter. Then, the injuries began. With both Gil and Cole out of the picture to start the season, the Yankees ironically now don’t have enough staters. Stroman will be back for his second stint in the Bronx after a mediocre 2024.

THE CONTENDERS

Carlos Carrasco

So it's come to this. The Yankees are considering Carrasco as one of their starters — a veteran pushing 40 who finished 2024 with an ERA close to 6 (at least it was better than his 2023 ERA, which was on the brink of 7). Carrasco had a decent 2022 with the Mets, but otherwise hasn't pitched a solid full season since 2018. That's seven years ago for those doing the math. Carrasco has looked good in spring training, with a 2.45 ERA in 11 innings. But it's a small sample size compared to what he's done in the regular season for many years now.

Will Warren

Although reports indicate Carrasco will likely be New York's fifth starter, Will Warren's name has also popped up numerous times for consideration. Warren is more familiar to Yankees fans, having pitched in the organization's minor league system since 2022. Last year, he was given 22 2/3 innings to strut his stuff, but instead wound up blowing a few starts and finishing with a 10.32 ERA. As a 25-year-old prospect, Warren seems talented enough to be given the right time to shine. But is 2025 the right time?

THE INJURED

Clarke Schmidt

Schmidt's had a couple injury scares recently, and his scheduled April 3 regular season debut may or may not happen. Schmidt has become a familiar and generally welcomed presence at the bottom of New York’s rotation over the past few seasons. In 2024, he pitched in 16 games and finished with a career-best 2.85 ERA. If Schmidt can stay healthy, he could be a valuable, stabilizing presence in the rotation, but it's unclear when he'll be back at full strength.