Yankees State of the Farm System Review: RHP Will Warren

Another Yankees chucker to keep tabs on also resides in Double-A Somerset (for now) and is about to become, if he isn't already, a prevalent name in the prospective world.

Right-handed pitcher Will Warren ranks eighth of the Yankees' top 30 prospects, according to MLB Pipeline, with promising offerings and a significant amount of potential.

Warren, 23 years old, was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 2021 MLB Amateur Draft in the eighth round, netting a $150,000 signing bonus. Warren attended Southeastern Louisiana University, with summer ball stints in the Northwoods League and the New England Collegiate League.

His numbers, along with the effectiveness of his stuff, drew strong draft attention, which ultimately awarded him with the pinstripes.

In 2022, Warren wasted no time, swiftly jumping from High-A to Double-A Somerset. Between Hudson Valley and Somerset, Warren accumulated129 innings pitched and 26 starts, while fanning 125 hitters, only walking 42, and posting a 3.91 ERA.

We’ve already mentioned that Clayton Beeter could see major league lights very soon; if Warren trails closely, what can we expect to see and when?

Yankees: Will Warren’s makeup, analysis, and estimated time of arrival to MLB

The Yankees' top pitching prospect has much to offer that the human eye can’t fully trace. While observing this kid throw, you would not pick him out of a 50-prospect showcase camp right away; however, breaking down his attack is where you’ll find interest. Warren stands 6-2, 175 pounds with a slim build. However, his weight class and trim shape do not dictate what he brings to the mound.

Let’s start with the important part here; Warren is exceptionally composed and dialed in. Slip-ups don’t seem to push him over the edge, and his approach to outings is very calculated. Warren appears to have great IQ and an understanding of his opponents. He has a calm, simple, and repeated delivery, with no pitch-tipping indications, and is consistent with release points. His repertoire consists of a 4-seam and 2-seam fastball, curveball, changeup, and slider.

Although Warren is not huge and overpowering, his fastball gives 95+ mph with good bite, as well as the ability to locate when needed. Warren throws a ton of strikes, with fastball command being no issue. His curveball and changeup are average and workable to complement favorable counts; these options have also been effective for him, carrying good spin and a change of speeds.

Aside from the fastball and command, scouts love his slider. The slider was refined from college and has improved its operation with more velocity and sweeping movement. His slider sits low-to-mid 90s, and without question is his out pitch. The combination of the slider and a recently-developed 2-seam fastball has resulted in a positive return in a 53% ground ball rate. This number, along with his 125-42 strikeout to walk rate, is essential.

It is without a doubt that Will Warren is a key piece in the future of the New York Yankees. I think we will see Warren early 2024, if not in roster expansions in late 2023. Clayton Beeter may get the call before Warren; having these two arms with the 40-man roster will be ideal for the Yankees' pitching staff and workload.