Will Warren Aims for a Breakthrough Season with the Yankees

DUNEDIN, Fla. — Parallels in Progress: Schmidt and Warren

Will Warren, the New York Yankees’ promising right-hander, finds himself on a trajectory reminiscent of Clarke Schmidt’s experience just two years ago. After a challenging rookie season that included over 30 starts, Schmidt emerged stronger and wiser. As Spring Training unfolds, Warren is looking to harness similar growth as he faces pivotal challenges ahead.

Building Confidence Through Experience

Clarke Schmidt reflects on his own journey, stating, “You don’t really feel like you belong in this league until you’re a couple years in,” emphasizing the importance of experience in establishing credibility on the mound. His path—filled with ups and downs—serves as a guide for Warren, who is eager to improve after posting a 4.44 ERA in 33 starts last season.

Key Areas for Improvement

As Warren gears up for the new season, several focal points can enhance his performance:

• Struggles Against Left-Handed Hitters: Like Schmidt before him, Warren faced difficulties containing lefties, who hit .266 against him last season.
• Inconsistency Against Strong Teams: Notably, Warren’s performances dipped against higher-caliber opponents.
• Managing Big Innings: Warren has encountered challenging innings that have derailed his starts.

Embracing Comfort and Control

Warren expressed his belief in his abilities following a solid outing, stating, “I know that my stuff plays… Just be Will Warren. Will Warren’s good enough to get people out.”

As he embarks on this season, health is a priority. Currently, the Yankees are grappling with injuries to key pitchers, including Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón, making Warren’s role even more critical.

Fine-Tuning Strategies for Success

Having recently shifted his positioning on the rubber from the first-base side to the third-base side, Warren aims to refine his attack angle against both right-handed and left-handed hitters. This adjustment is expected to improve his pitch selection and overall effectiveness:

• Enhanced Attack on Righties: Right-handers managed only a .680 OPS against him.
• Sharper Offerings for Lefties: Warren plans to utilize varied pitch types to keep left-handed batters guessing, particularly focusing on his backdoor curveball.

Growth in the Hitter’s Box

Aiming to enhance his ability against left-handed hitters, Warren is determined to “throw the kitchen sink” and keep them off-balance. This approach includes a focus on early strikes and executing pitches with precision.

Amid Spring Training, Warren faced the Blue Jays, where after giving up hits to left-handed hitters initially, he managed to retire them effectively in later innings. This showcased his adaptability and willingness to improve.

Insights from Schmidt

Reflecting on Warren’s journey, Schmidt noted similarities in their development, particularly in grappling with left-handed batters and learning to manage emotions on the mound. With a more fiery approach combined with emotional steadiness, Warren has the potential to “clean up the details,” propelling him to a new level of performance.

The Road Ahead

Warren’s ability to limit runs—he allowed three earned runs or fewer in 24 of his starts last season—is promising. However, controlling early game momentum remains crucial, especially against formidable opponents such as the Dodgers and Red Sox.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone highlighted the importance of maintaining emotional balance during games: “It’s learning how to be, what’s that fine line of having an edge… but especially as a starting pitcher, also being emotionally really steady.”

Conclusion: A Season of Promise

As Will Warren prepares for the 2024 season, he brings an eagerness to improve and build upon valuable experiences. With adjustments in strategy and a firm grasp of his capabilities, fans have much to watch for as he aims for a standout season. The Yankees are counting on Warren to step up, and considering the challenges he and other pitchers face, the upcoming games will be more than just tests—they will be opportunities for growth.

For more insights into the Yankees’ preparation this season, check out the latest coverage on Yankees News and MLB.com.