As the New York Yankees prepare to kick off their Spring Training for the 2025 MLB season, one of the biggest questions facing the team is who will fill the starting rotation. With six potential candidates vying for just five spots, the competition is fierce and promises to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the early part of the season.
The Yankees’ starting rotation is one of the key areas of focus for the team. While they have a core of established pitchers, there are uncertainties surrounding the final spots in the rotation, especially after some notable departures and injuries. The team’s pitching staff is expected to be anchored by ace Gerrit Cole, who has consistently been one of the best pitchers in the league since joining the Yankees. Cole’s status as the No. 1 starter is secure, and he will be counted on to provide leadership and stability throughout the season.
The remaining four spots, however, are up for grabs. The Yankees have several options to consider, and how they perform during Spring Training will ultimately determine who earns the coveted rotation spots. Among the contenders are Luis Severino, Nestor Cortés, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, Domingo Germán, and young prospect Randy Vásquez.
Luis Severino has had a tumultuous career with the Yankees, battling injuries and inconsistency at times. However, when healthy, he has the potential to be a top-tier pitcher. Severino will need to stay healthy and perform at a high level during Spring Training to secure a spot in the rotation. His velocity and command are crucial to his success, and the Yankees will be watching closely to see if he can stay on track after an injury-riddled 2024 season.
Nestor Cortés, a fan favorite, has been one of the more surprising success stories in recent years. After breaking out as a dependable starter in 2022, Cortés became an integral part of the Yankees’ pitching staff. Cortés’ crafty left-handed approach, combined with his ability to generate swings and misses, makes him a valuable asset. He is expected to compete for a spot, but whether or not he can maintain his consistency over a full season will be a key factor in his bid for a rotation spot.
Carlos Rodón, another left-hander, was signed by the Yankees in the offseason to bolster their pitching depth. Rodón has had an impressive track record in recent seasons, establishing himself as one of the league’s top starters. His ability to dominate hitters with his fastball and slider will be crucial in securing a spot. However, Rodón will need to prove that he can stay healthy and perform at the same level he displayed in his most recent seasons with the Chicago White Sox and San Francisco Giants.
Clarke Schmidt, Domingo Germán, and Randy Vásquez are all considered solid depth options. Schmidt showed flashes of potential in 2024, but inconsistency kept him from fully locking down a spot. Germán, while having a strong finish to the 2024 season, will need to prove he can be relied upon over a full season. Vásquez, an up-and-coming prospect, will likely be evaluated during Spring Training to see if he’s ready for a larger role at the MLB level.
Ultimately, the Yankees’ pitching staff will be shaped by both performance and health during the Spring Training period. The competition for the remaining rotation spots will be one of the most closely watched battles as the team looks to build a formidable pitching staff capable of contending for a World Series title.
