It may seem very deserted in the land of free agency for the New York Yankees. Although they just re-signed Cody Bellinger to a five-year deal, the team has otherwise not pulled through on the offensive acquisition end. However, they’re looking good on the mound. The 2026 Yankees rotation projects well.
The struggle is real in the Bronx during this 2025-2026 offseason. It seems like every other club, relevant or not, has made splashes in the market.
This included all the teams that the Yankees hate to see improve. The Toronto Blue Jays leveled up, along with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets.
These clubs raised the bar for 2026 while still employing their dominant pieces. Brian Cashman did not reinforce his offensive lineup for this coming season, electing (so far) to run it back instead. However, the rotation seems to be their biggest asset at the moment.
Yankees Starting Pitchers in Current Rotation Talks
When looking at the depth charts, the Yankees’ rotation options match up with the bullpen depth. There are eight listed relievers on their depth chart, and eight potential starters.
The club’s biggest addition this offseason was starting pitcher Ryan Weathers. Every other notable starter is returning from 2025.
The list of potential starters includes Carlos Rodón, Max Fried, Will Warren, Clarke Schmidt, Weathers, Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil, and Cam Schlittler. On paper, this cadre of arms compiles to be one of the most competitive staffs in the league.
Despite this impressive lineup of pitchers, only a percentage of them will crack early rotation spots.
Potential Projected Rotation
Max Fried will serve as the Yankees’ No. 1 starter. Fried has earned his positioning through a solid 2025 season. He’s a three-time All-Star, including an appearance in 2025. His overall numbers were massively impressive, posting a 2.86 ERA, leading the league with 19 wins.
Cam Schlittler is second on the list for a rotation spot. This young right-handed prospect broke out of his shell into the major leagues quickly, showing the ability to handle his business as a starting pitcher. In the 2025 postseason, Schlittler pitched 14 1/3 innings, recording a 1.26 ERA and 14 strikeouts, walk-free.
Ryan Weathers is the Yankees’ most prized pitching acquisition this offseason. Without a doubt, he grabs the three or four-spot in the rotation.
Weathers has a repertoire that’s competitive and worthy of pitching in the American League East. A well-rounded Yankees offense could assist the left-hander in accumulating more wins.
Luis Gil would find himself in a definite starting rotation spot if healthy. Gil was the prodigy arm of the Yankees, but his career was delayed a bit due to injury early last season. The right-hander is dominant and fills out healthy innings in his outings.
A look at the new projected rotation for the Yankees on Opening Day after they reportedly acquired Ryan Weathers from the Marlins
Projections via @fangraphs pic.twitter.com/whF5ZKnSnI
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) January 14, 2026
Further Depth
It’s hard to speak on the rotation without mentioning two key names: Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón. Cole will likely be number one or two once he returns to full strength. The ace right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery and was absent for all of 2025.
At this time, Cole will not be ready for Opening Day. Rodon is in a similar situation, although his ailments are more recent.
The left-hander is recovering from offseason elbow surgery. His 2025 season was dominant, and his postseason was workable. Both Rodón and Cole provide depth in the Yankees’ pitching staff, whether it’s as a starter, causing one of the above options to switch to relief.
Main Photo Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
