YANKEES ALREADY HAVE STARTING PITCHING PROBLEMS FOR NEXT SEASON!

We may not be strategizing for the World Series, but the Yankees brain trust already has a problem to solve in the offseason. Since the Yankees have a real problem exercising their smarts sometimes (I'm being generous) they better get started now.

The 2026 starting rotation already has too much uncertainty. There are still unknowns with Gerrit Cole's timeline for a return. He's set to start throwing off a mound this week and if all goes well he should be back around May. There's even more uncertainty with Clarke Schmidt who had Tommy John surgery back in July. He could be back late in the year, but that is still a big if. That could be around August of next season. That's a lot of uncertainty to have, even before the latest news with Carlos Rodon. 

Rodon underwent an elbow scope Wednesday to remove loose bodies and shave down a bone spur. He will be shut down for the next eight weeks and will also miss the first few weeks of the regular season. That's three starters starting the season on the Injured List at minimum. Now the Yankees need more depth.

The Yankees need a veteran starter with experience, so they are looking for the 2026 Carlos Carrasco but one with better results in the regular season. Not just the guy that pitches well in Spring Training to get the gig and then fall flat. HERE is the free agent list, it's a lengthy one and if I am being honest, the starting pitchers don't have me jumping out of my seat.

But, neither did Carrasco or Marcus Stroman this season, and they didn't single handedly bring us down. The Yankees need depth, they need someone serviceable to get us through the first few weeks while Cole and Rodon ramp up. Two names that I keep seeing in the rumor mill are Merrill Kelly and Chris Bassitt and while I am not loving either option, I must admit the idea of adding depth to the Yankees while making the Blue Jays weaker doesn't suck right now. They could be the new Carrasco but...there's another interesting option.

There is a real strategic option with a guy like Nick Martinez. The Reds have used him as both a starter and reliever this season with 20 of his 40 appearances as a starter. His 4.45 ERA doesn't look pretty but he had better success in a reliever role. He could help some stability while our starters are out but be a reliable arm out of the bullpen also, which the Yankees need. His 2.87 career ERA as a reliever is what should intrigue the Yankees the most.

The Yankees need to add some arms because right now the start of 2026 is already in jeopardy....in October. The Yankees brain trust needs to find an answer to this that the analytic geek in the front office isn't capable of fixing. They have a long time to start fixing it but they better get started now.....

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @nyprincessj

CARRASCO IS GONZO

Well, that didn’t last long.

The Yankees officially ended the Carlos Carrasco experiment on Tuesday, designating the veteran righty for assignment in a move that was both necessary and about three weeks overdue. Carrasco, 38, gave it all he had, but with a 5.91 ERA and all the signs of a pitcher hanging on by duct tape and guile, the Yankees finally said enough.

The twist? Aaron Boone, in his never-ending quest to say something so painfully useless it makes your brain cramp, decided this was the time to break out one of his all-timers.

“What a phenomenal human being that Carlos is,” said Boone.

Ah, yes. Thanks, Aaron. The Yankees are in a pitching crisis, they just DFA’d a guy with a WHIP that made fans duck for cover, and the best you can muster is a Hallmark card. Not one word about Carrasco’s performance, not a single honest reflection on why the team couldn't make it work—just that he's a nice guy. Cool. Maybe Carrasco can help the team with hugs now that he’s gone.

Let’s be clear: Carrasco didn’t pitch well. He earned this DFA with six starts and two relief outings that felt more like sacrifices than appearances. His 7% walk rate was fine, but when you’re only striking out 17.6% of batters and leaving fastballs over the plate like offerings at a buffet, it’s going to catch up with you. It did.

To plug the gap, the Yankees brought up right-hander Yerry De Los Santos from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He joins a bullpen that’s been run ragged, partly because Clarke Schmidt’s Saturday start got scratched due to side soreness. Carrasco had eaten three innings of mop-up work Sunday, so his arm was toast for the time being—and apparently, so was his spot on the roster.

But before we completely close the book, credit where it’s due: Carrasco came to camp on a minor league deal, worked his way onto the Opening Day roster, and handled everything like a pro. He’s been through far worse than getting DFA’d—he beat cancer, after all. That kind of perspective matters. And yes, Boone’s quote may be a broken record of empty platitudes, but Carrasco really is a phenomenal human being. Just maybe not a major-league pitcher anymore.

Still, there’s something tragic about watching the Yankees fumble this. Maybe Carrasco ends up across town with the Mets and turns into the next Clay Holmes—a guy the Yankees also misused until the Pirates and then the Mets figured him out. Wouldn't be the first time another team made better use of Yankee spare parts.

At the end of the day, the Carrasco story in the Bronx ends not with a bang, but with a Boone-ism: dull, cliché, and totally missing the point. Carrasco is a phenomenal human being. That's obvious.  Talk about his service and grit. That's what is most important. That's the story.  Cookie deserved better than his results, and fans deserved better than that stupid Boone quote.

Godspeed, Carrasco.  

COULD THE YANKEES UPGRADE THEIR PITCHING BY TRADING BEN HESS?

Interesting, but you're asking me, for who and... who's Ben Hess again? I get it.

 

Yankees fans and the media that follow them are constantly exploring ways to improve the team’s competitiveness. Offensively, the Yankees have been outstanding, and last night’s game showcased strong pitching performances from Max Fried and Luke Weaver. Still, there's a growing concern that the Yankees' pitching staff won't hold up as the season progresses. Relying on offensive firepower alone isn't sustainable—it’s just the reality.

Take Jazz Chisholm, for example. He’s now sidelined for 4–6 weeks, a reminder of how quickly things can change. Aaron Judge is having a phenomenal season, and while I admire what he's doing, it's hard to believe he can maintain this level of production all year long. My point is sooner, or later things break down and that's why pitching is so important.

That brings us to the idea of adding pitching depth. Tyler Anderson of the Los Angeles Angels is reportedly on the trade block. A veteran lefty with a 2.67 ERA over six starts, Anderson has been impressive, but since he's entering free agency after the season, he likely wouldn’t require a major prospect haul in return.

The possibility of an Anderson trade is real—MLB Network’s Greg Amsinger even listed him among the top trade candidates this year. If the Yankees pursue a starting pitcher, they might need to part with some decent prospects. ESPN recently discussed possible trade assets and highlighted Ben Hess, the Yankees' first-round pick last year, as a potential chip. David Schoenfield wrote:

“No Gerrit Cole. Luis Gil is working his way back from a lat issue. Carlos Carrasco and Marcus Stroman haven’t been reliable. Clarke Schmidt just returned, but the rotation could definitely use a boost. Trading top prospect George Lombard Jr. seems unlikely, and Spencer Jones' value has dipped. So, a couple of pitchers make more sense. Warren has major league experience and could help right away. Hess, though further from the majors, may offer more upside.”

In 2021, Hess was recognized as Illinois' top high school baseball prospect, but instead of turning pro, he chose to play for Alabama. Injuries sidelined him at times during his first two collegiate seasons, but he remained healthy throughout 2024, recording a 5.80 ERA while striking out 35 percent of opposing batters. His talent earned him a place in Crimson Tide history as the program’s third-ever first-round draft pick, joining Joe Vitiello and Taylor Tankersley. Selected 26th overall, he secured a $2,747,500 signing bonus and is set to make his professional debut this season.

It’s an intriguing scenario, but personally, I just don’t see it happening.

WILLIAMS PROBABLY WISHES HE WENT TO THE DODGERS...

Yankee fans can be tough. We expect perfection and Williams is hardly close to that.

But honestly, you almost can't even blame Devin Williams for sucking the air out of this Yankees team. The truth is, he was a solid closer in Milwaukee, but something changes when you put on the pinstripes. It’s about whether you have the guts to survive the intense pressure that comes with being a New York Yankee — and it’s obvious Williams doesn’t. From the start, it was clear Luke Weaver should have been the closer. We've been pounding that drum since the end of the World Series here at BYB. But once again, the Yankees’ front office couldn't see what was right in front of them.

The Yankees DID NOT NEED Devin Williams this offseason. They just chased the shiny object because Soto had just left (which, honestly, is a blessing in disguise). Meanwhile, Weaver was right there, ready and deserving. Instead, Brian Cashman spent big and wasted both money and games by handing the job to Williams. Boone’s no better — still rolling Williams out there as he blows lead after lead. Anyone watching can see he's not the answer, but Boone, running the team like some mindless robot, keeps trusting him. It’s pathetic. What a puppet.

The blame lies squarely on the leadership: the front office, the manager, all of them. Yankee fans aren’t stupid — we see what's happening. We know Williams can’t close games here, and we know Anthony Volpe isn’t cutting it as a hitter either. So, message to the Steinbrenner crew; Stop playing favorites because of contracts. Start doing what’s best for the team.

Williams’ debut month in New York has been nothing short of a disaster. His latest meltdown — giving up a single, a hit-by-pitch with two strikes, and a two-run double — cost the Yankees a 4-2 loss to the Blue Jays, all while boos poured down from the stands. Carlos Carrasco gave them a strong start — all Williams had to do was lock it down. That’s literally his only job.

Despite BYB and fans screaming for Weaver, the Yankees only pulled Williams on Friday to give the ball to Mark Leiter Jr. And what did Leiter do? Exactly what he was supposed to — one hit, no runs, 11 pitches to close it out. No drama.

Weaver, meanwhile, has become a fan favorite for good reason. He started the season with 13 straight scoreless innings, has given up just three hits, posted a 0.62 WHIP, struck out 13, and walked just five. He’s even locked down two saves already.

After the loss last night, Boone was asked about Williams' role moving forward. True to form, he gave one of his classic non-answers: “We’ll see.” Honestly, if you’re a reporter, why even bother asking Boone anything? He never says anything real. Dig a little, create some drama, ignore that fool.

At the end of the day, the Yankees needed that win — badly. The Blue Jays are climbing in the division, and the Yankees? They can't keep any momentum as predicted. The offense is solid but cannot sustain it if the pitching staff is exhausted, and the whole thing is collapsing under the weight of poor leadership.

The Yankees spent big on the wrong players. They gave a contract extension to a manager who clearly doesn't know how to manage his guys. And now we’re stuck watching a team that's almost painful to root for.

It’s infuriating. It’s sad. And honestly, it’s getting harder and harder to watch.

Like This? READ THESE:

WAIT, SO NOW LUKE WEAVER ISN'T THE YANKEE CLOSER?

WHY LUKE WEAVER IS THE ULTIMATE CLOSER!

MAYBE DEVIN WILLIAMS DOESN'T HAVE THE STONES FOR THE BRONX

GERMAN MARQUEZ ANYONE?

Let’s be real: the idea that the Yankees still need starting pitching almost feels like an April Fools’ joke that got out of hand. They’re in first place! They’re winning games! The offense is mashing, the defense is sparkling, and somehow, with duct tape and chewing gum holding the rotation together, they just keep rolling.

But here’s the twist—this isn’t sustainable. It never is. This is the part in the movie where the car is speeding toward the cliff and we’re all saying, “Wow, they’re handling those turns really well,” while completely ignoring the canyon ahead.

Yes, the Yankees are in first. Yes, Aaron Judge could hit a ball to Queens if you asked him nicely. Yes, Anthony Volpe is playing defense like he’s auditioning for a Gold Glove commercial. But if Brian Cashman doesn’t reinforce the rotation, we’re going to be watching Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman get wheeled out there every fifth day like overused lawnmowers.

And speaking of Stroman and Rodón—don’t act like you didn’t see this coming. I’d say I hate to say “I told you so,” but I actually love it. We knew Gerrit Cole’s injury spelled trouble. We knew Luis Gil being out would sting. And when Rodón starts giving up homers like it’s a Fourth of July fireworks show and Stroman disappears into the IL void, we’re supposed to just trust this plan?

Which brings us to the prophecy no one saw coming—Athlon Sports casually tossing out a name that actually makes sense: Germán Márquez. Not exactly the blockbuster Yankee fans dream of, but maybe—just maybe—the kind of move that wins October.

Here's what they say: Márquez is a 6’1”, 230-pound righty with a 65-58 record and a 4.42 ERA across 180 games. He made the All-Star team in 2021 and racked up a respectable 2.4 bWAR that season. Sure, elbow problems have limited him the last two years, but he’s back this season with a 4.60 ERA and a 3.09 FIP for the Rockies, which is basically like pitching on the moon with a beach ball.

Now, is Márquez sexy? No. Is he Max Fried? Definitely not. But is he a potentially smart addition that won’t cost you Spencer Jones or half your farm system? Absolutely. He’s a low-risk, high-upside rental who has playoff experience and has been asked to pitch in the Colorado chaos his entire career. A little change of scenery—and maybe a new trainer—and who knows what you could get?

Yankee fans might roll their eyes at the idea of another injury-prone reclamation project, but let's be honest: we can’t keep pretending that Carlos Carrasco is anything more than an innings-eater from 2017. And no, putting all your chips on Stroman’s groin staying healthy is not a strategy. It’s a prayer.

Come September, would you rather have Márquez starting a game that actually matters, or be relying on an opener cobbled together with guys named “who?” and “why?”

In short: Depth matters. Reinforcements matter. And while the Yankees have managed to make it this far on pure vibes, bats, and bullpen magic, the second half of the season is where things get real. If the front office is paying attention, a guy like Germán Márquez could be the kind of quietly smart addition that keeps the Yankees from burning out—and keeps fans from throwing their remote through the TV when the postseason starts.

So no, it’s not time to panic. But it is time to plan. Because this horror movie? We’ve seen it before. Let’s rewrite the ending this time.

A LUIS GIL UPDATE & NEW PITCHING RUMOR ALL IN ONE!

Never say "It can't get any worse" because that is a signal to the universe to release more bad luck. We can't take any more bad luck. We need pitching reinforcements and fast. The Yankees will need to get creative.

So, every day I have been scouring every source I have to look for any updates on Luis Gil. Yesterday, we finally got an update with minimal details, but it wasn't "good" news, read more HERE. Gil has been shut down since early last month and the plan was to get him throwing by today, but that's not going to happen. Gil's latest MRI shows healing on the high-grade lat strain but not enough. So, Gil may not be ready to pitch until the All-Star break. Aaron Boone gave an update yesterday and it sounded like typical Boone babble. "It's going as it should," Boone said before the Yankees finished a series against the Royals in The Bronx. "We just need another 10 days."

Needing another 10 days is not "going as it should" when the plan was to start throwing. I just hope this isn't worse than it really is. Starting pitching is everything in baseball and the Yankees need to go get it. We are lucky to have Max Fried right now. He's the only one worth a damn at this point.

The Yankees need to add some quality starters. This is supposed to be a favorite to get back to the World Series and this pitching staff just isn't going to cut it. Carlos Carrasco and Marcus Stroman are not pitchers that are going to get us back to October baseball. We already talked about names that would help us in I'LL BANG THE DRUM AGAIN! THE YANKEES NEED STARTING PITCHING! but a new name is floating around social media.

Lots of rumors out there swirling that by the trade deadline, the Dodgers could have a pitching surplus that they may not need and could move Tony Gonsolin, read more HERE. Interesting idea but that is assuming everything goes right for the Dodgers and their surplus actually happens. Right now they are dealing with their own injury problems. In the coming months, the Dodgers hope to have Clayton Kershaw, Blake Snell and Shohei Ohtani pitching again. That's three big names assuming the Dodgers will have back if all goes right.

If the stars magically align, Gonsolin could become available but if he is, the Dodgers aren't going to be anxious to do the Yankees a favor and Gonsolin comes with some risk. He missed all of 2024 after having TJ surgery, he hasn't pitched this season due to a minor back injury. What stands out most, is he hasn't pitched a full season since 2022, but he did pitch to a 16-1 record with a 2.14 ERA. 

Does he have that kind of magic in him still? Who knows but knowing that he sounds like the exact ballplayer that Brian Cashman targets. He looks for that lightning in a bottle or dumpster dive type of move as some fans call it that doesn't cost as much. He's more affordable for Hal Steinbrenner at $5.4 million dollars and wouldn't be a free agent until 2027. On paper, he's what the Yankees target.....

Honestly, I'm not jazzed about Gonsolin and it may not even be realistic.... but we've gotta do something. The Yankees can't continue to sit on their hands and say thousands of prayers hoping they get back to the World Series with this pitching.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

A TRADE PROPOSAL THAT BRINGS PITCHING TO THE YANKEES...

Because you know... that's what they need right now.

The Yankees’ rotation is a mess—full stop. There's no sugarcoating it. Carlos Carrasco is there, and while I love the guy's story, he's in the rotation. That's all you need to know.  The starting pitching has been inconsistent, unreliable, and flat-out unwatchable at times. It’s not just the rotation either—the entire staff is struggling to keep this team afloat.

With the trade deadline on the horizon, Brian Cashman has no choice: he must address the rotation. Now.

Forget chasing big-name aces with bloated price tags. The smarter move may be targeting a younger, controllable arm with upside. That’s where Dodgers right-hander Bobby Miller comes in.

Newsweek’s Zach Pressnell floated a hypothetical deal that could bring Miller to the Bronx:
Yankees get: RHP Bobby Miller
Dodgers get: OF Everson Pereira, LHP Brock Selvidge

On paper, it’s a reasonable swing. Miller, once a top prospect in L.A., has shown flashes of brilliance—posting a 2.79 ERA in 9 2/3 innings this year at Triple-A Oklahoma City. He was once ranked as the Dodgers’ No. 2 overall prospect. The talent is there. The question is: can he handle the Bronx?

We’ve seen this story before. Big market pitchers wilt under the Yankee spotlight. Sonny Gray never found his footing. Devin Williams is struggling. Joey Gallo? His career cratered here. L.A. is a big stage, but New York is a different beast. Would Miller survive the scrutiny, the pressure, the chaos?

Still, this kind of move would make sense. I have always believed that the Yankees have been open to moving Everson Pereira (THE YANKEES ARE DOING THAT THING AGAIN...), and this could be the type of calculated risk they need to make—especially when the current rotation plan includes hoping for miracles from Carrasco and duct tape.

Personally? I’m not holding my breath that this exact deal happens. But it should. Or at least something like it. Because this team needs arms—yesterday. Cashman can’t afford to sit idle while the season slips away. The Yankees need pitching help A.S.A.M.F.P., and it’s time to stop playing it safe.

WITH SCHMIDT COMING BACK, WHAT COMES NEXT?

The New York Yankees are winning some games thanks to a lineup that can mash baseballs into orbit — not because there's a well-oiled machine humming beneath the surface, but because the front office keeps duct-taping over a rotation built on hope, hunches, and injury reports. 

As Bob Klapisch says: "Between Carlos Rodon (5.19 ERA), Will Warren (6.00), Carlos Carrasco (7.71) and Stroman (11.57), Boone’s starters aren’t just mired in an early-season slump, they’ve been a liability."

Once again, we’re watching talented pitchers get thrown into the fire while the suits upstairs play fantasy baseball with real lives and real stakes.

Clarke Schmidt is the latest name in the rehab parade, and — good news! — he actually looks sharp. After dealing with shoulder tendinitis to start the season, because of course someone did, Schmidt shoved in his second rehab start: four innings, four strikeouts, no walks, and barely a blemish. That should be great news, right? But this is the Yankees we’re talking about — so naturally, this beacon of health just creates another roster conundrum the front office seems uniquely unqualified to handle.

Because when Schmidt comes back — likely around April 15 or 16 — someone’s got to go. Now, if this were a team that made sensible, merit-based decisions, Carlos Carrasco would already be polishing his plane ticket. The veteran just got thumped by the Tigers and hasn’t shown much to hang his hat on. But don’t be surprised if the casualty ends up being rookie Will Warren instead. Why? Because logic rarely lives in the Bronx anymore. My opinion of course.

Warren, by the way, just notched his first major league win yesterday with a very respectable five-inning, two-run, six-strikeout effort against the Giants. He didn’t reinvent the wheel, but he gave the Yankees a chance to win — and they did, once the offense finally woke up in the fifth. It was the kind of gritty, steady start you love to see from a rookie. Which, of course, means he’s probably being fitted for his Triple-A uniform as we speak.

It’s maddening. Carrasco and Warren both pitched well enough in spring to earn their spots, but the Yankees front office treats their rotation like a game of Jenga: keep pulling blocks at random and act shocked when it all collapses. There’s no vision, no long-term thinking, just reactionary shuffling and the constant whiff of panic perfume.

You can’t help but feel for the players. Warren is being asked to prove himself with every pitch, knowing that even his best efforts might not be enough to hold off the front office’s next whim. Carrasco, bless his veteran heart, looks like he’s surviving on fumes. And Boone? That dope is left managing a staff held together with chewing gum and crossed fingers. It always feels like a struggle with this team. Why is everything a struggle? Well, you know me. I blame the manager and front office.

Maybe Warren’s win bought him a little time. Maybe the Yankees pull the plug on Carrasco’s experiment before it gets even more embarrassing. But with the way things have gone in recent years, expecting the Yankees front office to make the right call is like expecting a cat to fetch. We’ve seen this movie before — and it’s always the player doing everything right who gets the boot.

So here we are. The bats are bailing them out, the rotation’s a mess, and the front office is — as usual — fumbling through decisions like a sleepwalker in a minefield. The players deserve better. And frankly, so do the fans.

STILL THINK THE YANKEES HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO COMPETE?

The Yankees rotation is a dumpster fire, and that’s on the front office.

So, here we are. Again. Staring at the flaming wreckage of another Yankees rotation that somehow, someway, no one in the front office thought to fix. Remember when people were giddy over the “new-look” lineup like they’d just discovered fire? Goldschmidt! Bellinger! Woohoo! Yeah, well, guess what? Bats don’t mean a damn thing when your pitchers are giving up touchdowns.

Let’s get this out of the way: Max Fried is a beast. The guy pitches like he’s on a mission from the baseball gods. He deserves better than this clown show surrounding him. Because right now? He’s basically alone in a burning building holding a garden hose.

No Gerrit Cole. Carlos Rodón? He’s a mood ring with cleats—brilliant one start, unwatchable the next. Carlos Carrasco? Looks like he needs a nap just getting out of bed. And Marcus Stroman, the only halfway-dependable guy in the rotation, just got shelled so hard against the Giants he might qualify for FEMA aid. Five runs before a single out. Five. Boone had to yank him after 46 pitches, and only 23 of those found the strike zone. His ERA is now sitting at a grotesque 11.57. That’s not an ERA. That’s a distress signal.

But sure, let’s boo Stroman. Real smart. The guy’s out there bleeding for a team that left him for dead the second Cole hit the IL. You want to boo someone? Boo Brian Cashman. Boo Hal Steinbrenner. Boo the whole smug brain trust that decided "standing pat" was a competitive strategy.

This isn’t hindsight. Everyone saw this disaster coming the second Cole’s elbow barked in March. Bleeding Yankee Blue was screaming about it. But did the Yankees front office act? Of course not. They did what they always do lately: shrug, leak a few excuses to the press, and hope the fans buy the smoke. Cashman gave us his usual “we’re trying” routine. Translation: “We have no plan.”

This franchise is worth $8.2 billion—with a B. And we’re being told they’re strapped? That they’re hoping to snag guys based on facial hair policy changes now? What is this, Yankees or ‘Shark Tank: Beard Edition’? They rolled back the grooming rules to maybe attract some dude with a nice goatee. Incredible. That’s their “big swing.”

Meanwhile, the so-called solution was apparently to cross fingers, squint really hard, and pray Rodón magically turns into Sandy Koufax. He didn’t. And they never got another ace. Because hey, why act like a serious franchise when you can just pretend?

They gave us Goldschmidt, Bellinger, Fried and Devin Williams and expected us to clap like seals while the rotation hemorrhages runs. And now even Devin Williams is a question mark. He’s not himself, the bullpen’s already showing signs of wear, and Luke Weaver—bless him—is about to get over worked and no work at all cause we keep losing.

The offense? It’s good. It really is. But this team can’t win 9-8 every night, and that’s what they’re being asked to do. This isn’t sustainable. It’s not competitive. It’s not even respectable. It’s just the same broken logic year after year—patch the lineup, ignore the rotation, and watch the season bleed out by August.

The Yankees aren't cursed. They’re just incompetently run. And until someone in the ivory tower takes responsibility and actually acts like they want to win, we’re all stuck watching another bullpen meltdown while Cashman dusts off his "we tried" press quotes.

What a disgrace.

HELLO SCHMIDT & BYE BYE CARRASCO!

Well, Carlos Carrasco had his chance, but he may have just pitched his way out of a job. Spring Training he looked better than he does right now, which earned him a big league contract and a new opportunity. It hasn't taken long for the Spring Carlos to fall back down to Earth.

The Yankees took a flyer on Carrasco. Let's face it we were desperate and it looked like he MIGHT have still had some of his former magic left in the tank. After two appearances of 11.2 innings, 16 hits, 4 home runs and three walks he has an abysmal 7.71 ERA. He's not fooling anyone in the batters box. He's not blowing anything past hitters or deceiving them with movement on his pitches. He's just throwing batting practice.

His blunders come at a dangerous time as Clarke Schmidt is ramping up and almost ready for Major League action, read more HERE. A rehab stint is coming at Double-A and he is predicted to be ready to go by the series against Kansas City April 15th or 16th. That's good news for Schmidt (and us) and bad news for Carrasco, since that lines up with his next potential start. When Schmidt is back the Yankees have every reason, they need to reconsider Carrasco's role on this team....if he gets one at all.

The "if" he gets one isn't so farfetched, either. The old saying goes "you can never have enough pitching" but is Carrasco a safer bet as a starter than say younger blossoming talent like Will Warren? Both Warren and Carrasco had outside shots to make the team in Spring, but there's a difference. Carrasco is past him prime and looks like he doesn't have anything left in the tank, while Warren is also not perfect, but he is younger and has had moments to justify he's ready for the big leagues. Carrasco isn't showing he has enough to keep him on the big-league stage....at least not here.

I will be the first to admit Warren isn't perfect. He is a work in progress. He looked good against the Diamondbacks but rough against the Pirates. He's young, hungry and he has a lot of upsides to him. He just needs more time to be developed. He has potential and that is something the Yankees should prioritize unless they pull of an entirely different move bringing another pitcher in by trade (not likely right now).

The Yankees are in a pickle. They are going to need to make a decision. Do they go with the veteran starter who has experience but will be a risk to try and squeeze five innings out of? Or do they go with the younger guy who has more upside now and can give the team long term value? I think it's an easy choice.

The Yankees are going to have to make the tough decision. Do they demote Carrasco or just DFA him all together? Either way something has to change. Schmidt coming back means the Yankees have better options coming....and this Carrasco is not going to help a team with World Series aspirations.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

CARLOS CARRASCO & HIS "BIG CHANCE"

Carlos Carrasco knows exactly what this moment means. The veteran right-hander isn’t just taking the mound for the Yankees—he’s seizing a golden chance to prove he’s still got it.

“This is a big chance for me...“I just have to go out there and pitch the same way I did in spring training. Compete every pitch, every out and inning, and go from there.”

That’s the mindset of a guy who’s been through it all—injuries, struggles, even a battle with cancer. And yet, here he is, gearing up for his first start in pinstripes and his second appearance overall since inking a minor league deal and turning heads in spring training (1-0, 1.69 ERA). Sure, his lone relief outing this season was a forgettable one (13.50 ERA), but Carrasco is built for comebacks. After a rough 2023 with Cleveland (3-10, 5.64 ERA), he’s looking to bounce back in a big way. This is a guy who won the Roberto Clemente Award and AL Comeback Player of the Year in 2019 after returning from a midseason cancer diagnosis. Adversity? He eats it for breakfast.

And now, he’s up against Merrill Kelly (1-0, 1.69 ERA) in today's series finale as the Yankees try to avoid a sweep in Arizona. No pressure, right?

Of course, Carrasco isn’t the only one stepping into the spotlight. With Gerrit Cole sidelined, the Yankees are relying on Carrasco and rookie Will Warren to help hold the rotation together. As Empire Sports Media put it:

"Instead of Cole vs. an opposing ace, it’s now Will Warren and 38-year-old Carlos Carrasco being tossed into the fire. Warren has shown flashes of potential, but he’s also a rookie getting his first taste of early-season big-league pressure. That learning curve is steep, especially against elite offenses. He struggled considerably in a small sample in 2024."

Look, nobody said this was going to be easy. But opportunity doesn’t knock—it kicks the door down, and Carrasco and Warren have a chance to prove they belong.

IT'S OFFICIAL! WILL WARREN IS SET TO PITCH IN THE BRONX!

It's been such an emotional roller coaster ride this Spring, and that is especially true for Will Warren. He had zero expectation of earning a starting spot in Spring Training, and then bad luck struck (because I am convinced we are cursed) and opportunity knocked on Warren's door.

And he answered. The 25-year old fifth overall prospect pitched to a 4.19 ERA over six appearances and now he will pitching in the Bronx. Aaron Boone broke the news yesterday and now Warren has to get ready for not only his first start of 2025, but it will be in the Bronx against a revamped Arizona Diamondbacks team. 

His last appearance against the Baltimore Orioles wasn't the prettiest, so it will be interesting to see how he fares against another team with high expectations this season. Warren will need to show the Yankees the pitcher from his first five appearances if he wants to keep his starting position long-term and that may not be as easy as it sounds.

Supposedly, Clarke Schmidt's injury is not serious, and the Yankees are anticipating him to be ready for big league action soon. He will his time on the disabled list to increase his stamina and build up his pitch count to around 70-80 pitches. That would be the best-case scenario that Boone believes is possible. Nothing is official, but that is the hope. The Yankees need to do whatever is best for his health and stamina long-term because we have already been sucker punched with the loss of Gerrit Cole all season and Luis Gil out until June as a best case scenario.

Even if Schmidt is back soon, if Warren impresses, he could still keep a rotation spot. We have already seen how inconsistent Marcus Stroman is. He is sitting in a number three spot right now, but that is based on his veteran status only, not based on his proven ability to help this team. The Yankees were trying to get rid of him early in spring, especially before Cole had Tommy John surgery. If he can't do his part and help this team the Yankees could still look for a way to move him....especially if another team suddenly becomes desperate.

I'm also not sold on Carlos Carrasco, who has a starting job for now, but he has had rough seasons since 2022. I think he is going to get lit up in Yankee stadium especially. He's not the pitcher he once was, and while I want to see anyone pitching for us succeed, I just don't think he will be able to hang in the Bronx. He's here now because the Yankees are desperate. The Yankees need him for now. He could easily pitch his way out of a job....which could keep Warren around.

If Warren can stay consistent and pitch, he has a shot to stick around. It won't be easy....but Stroman and Carrasco aren't exactly showstoppers, either. He gives me more hope than the others. He's also made it this far by seizing opportunity and he can do it again.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

TIME TO CALL OUT HAL STEINBRENNER & HIS COMPLACENT YANKEE FRONT OFFICE

Ian O'Connor has balls of steel, and I respect the hell out of him for it. 

The legendary sportswriter just went scorched earth on Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner, saying what every furious Yankees fan has been screaming for years. Let’s be real: this team is crawling into Opening Day, and there’s no way they’re winning a championship this season. Injuries or not, the front office and manager lack the fire, the backbone, and—most importantly—the guts to spend like a team that actually wants to win.

O’Connor appeared on Colin Cowherd’s podcast (Yankee part starts around 31:31) and dropped a truth bomb that exposes exactly how this franchise is being run. When asked why the Yankees weren’t spending more to shore up the roster, Hal’s response was a masterclass in spineless ownership:

“There are banks and partners and lenders that I have to deal with, and I have to answer to,” Hal apparently said.

O’Connor, who spent years covering George Steinbrenner, knew immediately how embarrassing that sounded.

"I never heard him talk about a bank, lender, a bondholder, or a partner ever," O’Connor fired back. "He did not care. I don't even know if he cared about turning a profit—he just wanted to win and win at all costs."

Hal Steinbrenner doesn't want to win, he wants money. And on Ian's point, that’s the kind of quote that should make Yankees fans sick. It lays bare the difference between George, a man obsessed with winning, and Hal, a man obsessed with playing it safe. And the worst part? The Yankees have plenty of money. As of March 2024, they’re worth an estimated $7.55 billion—billion with a B. Their revenue in 2023? $679 million, and rising. Yet somehow, there’s no urgency, no aggressive moves to fix this mess.

Just think about how ridiculous this has gotten. Right now, fans are seriously hoping Carlos Carrasco makes the rotation. Read that again. 

In the early 2000s, as Kristie Ackert recently pointed out, George Steinbrenner would’ve taken one look at the hole left by Gerrit Cole’s injury and had a new pitcher in pinstripes before lunch. Hal? He’s sitting on his hands, waiting to see how things play out. And Ackert nailed it: this franchise is stuck in neutral, no longer a legitimate powerhouse.

That’s why O’Connor’s takedown matters, and why Ackert backing him up is so damn refreshing. We need more reporters willing to call this organization out. If you read Bleeding Yankee Blue, you know I don’t hold back. The Yankees should and must do more.

Fans pour their hard-earned money into this team—easily dropping close to $1,000 for a family of four to attend a game. Tickets, food, parking, merch—it all adds up. And for what? So your kid can get a Carlos Carrasco jersey and a foam finger with Anthony Volpe’s face on it and an injured Gerrit Cole riding the bench? Yankees fans have been getting fed nonsense for too long, and this season is shaping up to be more of the same.

I can’t help but wonder—does Aaron Judge regret signing that long-term deal? Because much like Mike Trout, he’s looking at spending his best years stuck on a team that won’t sniff a championship. And that’s gotta suck.

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YANKEE BEAT & MORE: AN IAN O'CONNOR INTERVIEW

THE YANKEES CARLOS CARRASCO DECISION IS COMING!

Last month, if anyone told me that Carlos Carrasco would potentially play a large part of the Yankees starting rotation I would've laughed my butt off. I never saw that as a possibility, but here we are. It could really happen...depending on an important choice the Yankees will need to make.

On Friday, Carrasco turns 38. The Yankees could give him a birthday present of adding him to the 40-man roster, or they could choose not to add him and risk him opting out and becoming a free agent. Carrasco signed a minor league deal in February that allows him to opt out if he doesn't make the big-league roster. 

Last month, I thought that would be more likely. Today? Not so much. Seriously, he was just the quintessential veteran depth arm for insurance. Now that the Yankees have been cursed with injuries that are the size of a starting rotation he is suddenly very important and could be the fifth starter. Remember when we were talking about Marcus Stroman as the sixth starter? Well now he is likely number three.

When you look at the state of the Yankee rotation with no Gerrit Cole this season or Luis Gil for at least half of the season, the Yankees need arms that are capable. When you look at what Carrasco has done this spring, it is hard to see the Yankees "passing" on him. In 11 innings this spring, he has stuck out 12 of 46 batters faced and pitched to a 2.45 ERA. While that sounds impressive, he's walked six and hit three batters. The command has been shaky at best this spring, but thinking back to what Brian Cashman said last week "very little is available" as far as pitching goes. It sounds like this isn't much of a decision.

The Yankees will need to play it safe here. We aren't out of the woods yet with Clarke Schmidt, his shoulder is feeling better but he's throwing live batting practice today so we will see where that goes. Even if he comes out of that okay, he will only have one more appearance before the season starts and that might get him stretched out to 50 pitches.... IF everything goes according to plan. Big IF, especially with our medical and training staff evaluating him so I have no confidence there.

At this point the Yankees need Carrasco more than he needs us. Will Warren could factor into this also, but the Yankees still have minor league options with him. A light pitching staff means they are more likely to keep Carrasco and send Warren down to keep him for additional depth if needed. The Yankees are very thin in the rotation, and we seem to be cursed. Even though I'm not in love with what Carrasco has done you can never have too much pitching.... especially now. The Yankees would be stupid to let him walk unless they can get trade for someone else or claim someone another team cuts.

I think Carrasco is here to stay. I just hope Schmidt is okay and our medical and training staff doesn't mess this one up too.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

WARREN IS SEIZING THE MOMENT

No doubt about it—Will Warren is making waves this spring, and honestly, good for him. With the Yankees’ never-ending injury parade, it’s refreshing to see a young arm step up and make the most of his shot. Opportunity knocked, and Warren didn’t just answer the door—he swung it wide open.

Take Saturday’s outing against the Tampa Bay Rays, for example. Warren pitched into the fifth before getting pulled with runners on, and unfortunately, the bullpen didn’t exactly have his back. That left him with three earned runs over four innings, but let’s not get caught up in the box score. He struck out four and continued showcasing the kind of filthy movement that has Yankees brass buzzing.

At this point, Warren has forced his way into the rotation conversation. He’s the frontrunner for the No. 5 spot, slotting in behind Marcus Stroman—who, ironically, was swirling in trade rumors just a few months ago. But with half the pitching staff held together by duct tape and prayers, both Stroman and Warren have become critical to the Yankees’ plans.

And Warren isn’t the only one making noise. Carlos Carrasco is also clawing his way into the rotation mix. Carrasco brings the experience, but Warren? He’s got the fresh arm, lively velocity, and a slider that makes hitters look silly. Plus, he’s sharpening his changeup and curveball to keep lefties guessing. The Yankees see the potential—how could they not?

Bottom line: the Yankees need all the pitching help they can get, and Warren is stepping up at the perfect time. With injuries piling up and Aaron Boone looking like he’s just as confused as the rest of us, guys like Warren and Carrasco aren’t just nice stories—they’re essential.

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PITCHER PUSHING BIG TIME FOR A ROTATION SPOT!

PITCHER PUSHING BIG TIME FOR A ROTATION SPOT!

When Brian Cashman goes hunting for a little “lightning in a bottle,” it doesn’t always strike. But credit where it’s due—his latest find, Carlos Carrasco, is looking like he might be a spark the Yankees desperately need. And honestly? I love it.

With the Yankees battling injuries and two top starters out, Carrasco is stepping up in a big way. A month ago, his name wasn’t even in the rotation conversation. Now? He’s pitching like a guy who wants to make it impossible for the Yankees to ignore him.

On Friday, Carrasco took the mound and delivered, tossing 3 ¹/₃ strong innings, giving up just one run on two hits while walking one and striking out six. And he wasn’t just overpowering hitters—he was showcasing a full arsenal. Four of those six strikeouts came using different pitches: a slider, sweeper, sinker, and—perhaps most exciting—a changeup he’s been searching for and finally found.

“That’s the one I was looking for—I finally got it,” Carrasco said of his changeup. “I’ve been working on it in bullpens and a few games, and today it finally clicked.”

That’s the kind of veteran savvy that makes you root for the guy. And let’s not forget—this is a pitcher who’s spent his career dreaming of playing for the New York Yankees. Now he’s here, and he’s making the most of his shot.

If Carrasco ends up locking down that fifth rotation spot, I’d be absolutely thrilled. It’s a great story, a fantastic redemption arc, and hey—maybe, just maybe, Cashman has pulled off another sneaky-smart move. Tip of the cap to him for seeing something in Carrasco. Because right now, the veteran right-hander looks like he belongs in pinstripes.