New York Yankees pitching coach believes the organization already has a backup plan if Carlos Rodon and Nestor Cortes again can’t stay healthy in 2024: Elite pitching prospect Will Warren.

The Yankees have had an eventful offseason. They made one of the biggest splashes in the trade market when they landed All-Star Juan Soto, and they bolstered their starting rotation when they signed two-time All-Star Marcus Stroman to a team friendly deal in MLB free agency. While they are better team in 2024, health will again be a top issue, especially in the starting rotation.

Last season, top free agent signing Carlos Rodon and 2022 All-Star Nestor Cortes missed much of the season due to injuries. While the hope is that they can return to form this season, it seems the organization has a solid backup plan waiting in the wings.

New York Yankees expect top pitching prospect Will Warren to reach majors in 2024

Late last week, New York Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake spoke to the New York Daily News and revealed his belief that stud pitching prospect Will Warren is sure to be on the big league roster this season if and when injuries occur to some of their starters.

“I would think he’s definitely in the mix at some point this year,” Blake said. “Obviously, if health stays perfect for us, he may be the odd man out, but just with the way 162 games shake out, I’m sure his name will be called at some point.”

In 2023, Warren was the eighth ranked prospect in the entire Yankees farm system (via MLB.com). The 24-year-old was promoted to the team’s Triple-A affiliate last season and he posted a 7-4 record with a 3.61 ERA and 110 strikeouts in 99.2 innings at the top minor league level. Warren has quickly risen through the team’s system after being selected in the 2021 MLB Draft.