On paper, the New York Yankees seem to have an established first three starting pitchers to spark the rotation. The fourth spot right now is up in the air. The two possible names for the role are Will Warren and Luis Gil.
The priority right now for the Yankees is pitchers one through three for a three-man rotation. Whatever the order may be, the club is expected to have Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, and Cam Schlittler in those spots.
This trio covers the three possible games in the Wild Card Series. The Yankees need to look further than this, as the American League Division Series is the goal.
If they win the division, a fourth starter will be needed. Aaron Boone and the Yankees have two strong options. The decision of who to go with up front is at hand.
Yankees’ Fourth Rotation Spot Up in the Air
Option 1: Will Warren
Warren has more major league experience than Schlittler. The right-hander was a huge prospect incoming for the Yankees starting last season, and he’s provided the depth that the Yankees need.
Warren is durable, making 33 starts this year, and is deemed to be reliable. He is also a strike thrower with an improving command of his pitches. His command has been developed, and he’s able to locate on demand.
This is Warren’s second big-league season, and his first full one after six appearances in 2024. He has a record of 9-8 this season with 162 1/3 innings of work, a 4.44 ERA, 158 hits allowed, 80 earned runs, 171 strikeouts, and only 65 walks. He has a 5.16 career ERA over two seasons.
He’s a five-pitch mixer, with his four-seam fastball being his priority, which sits mid-90s. His options are effective, and the pitch selections are diverse. Warren could be a strong option just based on major league innings.
Option 2: Luis Gil
The Yankees’ 2024 American League Rookie of the Year would’ve been the immediate option for the third role last year. If Gil were healthy and active from the beginning of the season, he’d be locked into the third or fourth spot.
The question at hand is, where does he fall now? With minimal innings and games under his belt for 2025, gauging his reliability and longevity is a tall task. His repertoire is solid, but it remains unclear how many innings he can deliver.
At this point, Gil may be looked upon to be the potential swing man in the fourth rotation spot for the Yankees. Being on the front end may also be a good idea, to offer quality up front in the early innings, and handing it off to Warren for the remainder.
Cam Schlittler to Occupy Third Spot in the Rotation
The right-handed starter, Schlittler, has been the latest Yankees pitching prospect to break through in the big leagues. His name has grabbed a lot of attention this season due to his upside, repertoire, and pitchability.
Cam Schlittler will start on Saturday and Luis Gil on Sunday, per @ChrisKirschner
This would line up Schlittler to pitch on regular rest in a potential Wild Card Game 3 next Thursday pic.twitter.com/A58ZcURUHy
— Talkin’ Yanks (@TalkinYanks) September 25, 2025
Initially considered the frontrunner for the fourth spot, he is now looking to be in the third starter role.
Schlittler, first and foremost, has command. He’s in control of his pitches and can fill up the strike zone. His command gets better and better by the outing. The right-hander rarely gives up walks without a fight.
Schlittler’s current big-league statistical line is as follows: 73 innings pitched, a 4-3 win-loss record, 2.96 ERA, 24 earned runs on 58 hits, 84 strikeouts, and 31 walks. Between Double-A and Triple-A this year, Schlittler had a 6-6 record with a 2.82 ERA, 76 2/3 innings pitched, 99 strikeouts, and 26 walks.
Main Photo Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
