Yankees could cut ties with top pitching prospect in surprise trade

The New York Yankees find themselves in limbo with the current state of the starting rotation.

The reigning American League champions are without ace Gerrit Cole for the entire season while breakout star Luis Gil suffered a setback in his recovery from a strained right lat he suffered during spring training.

Suffice it to say, they need all the arms they can get. However, ESPN's David Schoenfield proposed the idea that one of their top pitching prospects, right-hander Will Warren, could be a trade candidate ahead of the deadline in July.

"It's hard to envision them trading top prospect George Lombard Jr., plus Spencer Jones' stock has fallen, so let's list a couple of pitchers here. Warren has had some big league time and would give the Marlins an MLB-ready starter," Schoenfield wrote.

Warren has had a difficult time making a positive impact in his limited sample size at the Major League level. Entering the season as the team's No. 4 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, Warren posted a 10.32 ERA in five starts last season.

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Injuries helped the former eighth-round pick secure a spot in the starting rotation to begin the 2025 season and while his numbers have improved some, the results have been less than impressive. In five starts this season, Warren has a 4.79 ERA with 21 strikeouts, 10 walks and a 1.26 WHIP across 20.2 innings.

If things don't improve before the trade deadline, the Yankees could look to make a move in order to add a more stable piece to the pitching rotation.