The New York Yankees acquired left-handed pitcher Ryan Weathers from the Miami Marlins on Tuesday, adding depth to their starting rotation amid injury concerns heading into the 2026 season.
In exchange, the Yankees sent four minor league prospects to Miami: outfielders Dillon Lewis and Brendan Jones, and infielders Dylan Jasso and Juan Matheus. The trade addresses pressing needs for a Yankees rotation that will begin the season depleted by injuries.
Filling Rotation Gaps
The Yankees rotation, led by Gerrit Cole and Max Fried, faces significant challenges with both Cole and Carlos Rodon expected to begin the season on the injured list as they recover from elbow injuries. Cam Schlittler rounds out the top tier, making Weathers a crucial depth option to ensure stability.
“With the Yankees, Weathers provides insurance for a rotation fronted by established veterans while both recovering,” according to ESPN reporting on the deal. The 26-year-old left-hander can still be optioned to the minor leagues, offering flexibility for managing the roster.
Weathers’ Profile
Weathers, who carries three years of remaining club control, will earn $1.35 million in 2026 with two additional arbitration years ahead before reaching free agency after 2028. He was originally drafted in the first round by the San Diego Padres in 2018 before being traded to Miami in 2023.
Limited to just eight major league starts in 2025 due to a flexor strain and lat strain, Weathers posted a 3.99 ERA with 37 strikeouts and 12 walks across 38â…“ innings. His career numbers across five seasons show a 4.93 ERA with 235 strikeouts over 281 innings, having never exceeded 18 starts in a single season during his rookie campaign with San Diego.
Notable Connection
Weathers is the son of David Weathers, a 19-year veteran who pitched for the Yankees during parts of two seasons from 1996 to 1997, creating a unique family connection to the franchise.
The Marlins, prioritizing young position players in their roster construction, view the prospect haul—particularly Lewis, a 22-year-old outfielder who was a 13th-round pick in the 2024 draft—as valuable additions for their rebuild. Lewis slashed .237/.321/.445 with 22 home runs and 26 stolen bases across both Class A levels last season.
