Left-handed pitcher Ryan Weathers is poised to make his first appearance for the Yankees in a game against the Mariners in Seattle. The match is scheduled for Monday night. This contest features two top contenders.
Weathers was acquired from the Marlins in January. The Yankees gave up four Minor Leaguers to get him.
Yankees Bullish on New Pitcher
New York’s willingness to part with three of its Top 30 prospects for Weathers suggests high hopes. He is seen as a potential breakout arm for the 2026 season.
Among left-handed starters, only Tarik Skubal has a higher velocity than Weathers. Skubal is a two-time defending American League Cy Young Award winner.
During Spring Training with the Yankees, Weathers delivered 23 pitches at 99+ mph. He reached triple digits twice, with a high of 101 mph. Few starters can match that, regardless of handedness.
Weathers’ Career to Date
The 26-year-old has shown glimpses of promise in the past two seasons. He posted a 3.74 ERA with 117 strikeouts in 125 innings across 24 starts for Miami during that time.
However, he only made eight starts in 2025. This was due to a flexor strain suffered in Spring Training and a left lat strain suffered during the regular season.
The Yankees believed enough in Weathers’ arsenal to acquire him. His arsenal includes a changeup, sweeper, slider and sinker.
Weathers struggled during Spring Training. He had an 8.83 ERA in five outings. However, he did strike out 21 in just 17 1/3 innings of work.
Tough Test Against Seattle’s Stars
Weathers faces a challenging first start for the Yankees. He is up against a Mariners lineup led by Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodríguez. Raleigh was the 2025 AL MVP runner-up. Rodríguez is a star outfielder.
With two of the favourites for this year’s AL pennant squaring off, Weathers’ first start in pinstripes promises to be a game to watch.