February 27, 2026

During the offseason, the New York Yankees acquired lefty starting pitcher Ryan Weathers from the Miami Marlins for four prospects. Due to injuries to Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon, Weathers will begin the 2026 season in the rotation as a fill-in starter, but is expected to go to the bullpen once Rodon returns in April or May. Across 281 career innings, the Tennessee native owns a 4.54 xERA, a 19.4% K-BB rate, and a 1.38 WHIP. Despite the uneven results, many scouts and executives believe there is still untapped potential in his profile, largely due to his arsenal and velocity. Weathers features a lively three-pitch mix headlined by a 97 mph four-seam fastball, while his changeup and sweeper both generate whiff rates near 40%. Unfortunately, injuries have prevented Weathers from achieving consistent success at the major league level. The 26-year-old managed just 38 innings in 2025 due to oblique and lat strains, but he has reported to camp fully healthy. For 2026, ATC projects the No. 7 overall pick in the 2018 draft for a 3.99 ERA, 23% strikeout rate, and 1.25 WHIP across 126 innings. Ultimately, the key question is whether most of his innings will be as a starter or in relief. With his current ADP of 207, he is a risky upside play that could pay off big time. However, if you draft Weathers, make sure to back him up with a couple more starting pitchers just in case he is sent to the bullpen.--Marty Tallman