The New York Yankees have a reputation for developing undervalued pitchers into reliable contributors, and Will Warren appears to be following that path. Comparisons to Michael King, a former Yankees pitcher who has become an ace, have raised expectations, and Warren is beginning to fulfill those hopes with his performances this season.

Fastball Dominance Defines Warren’s Current Strength

Warren’s four-seam fastball serves as his primary weapon, proving difficult for hitters to handle. Opponents have managed just a .156 batting average against the pitch over 69 innings, illustrating its effectiveness. His fastball averages 93.3 mph, closely matching King’s 93.8 mph, which supports the parallel between the two arms.

Additionally, Warren has generated a 28% whiff rate and a slugging percentage of only .267 against this pitch, marking it as his most consistent and reliable offering so far.

High Strikeout Rates Suggest Promising Potential

Although his 4.83 ERA might seem modest, Warren’s underlying statistics paint a brighter picture, particularly his striking ability. Currently ranked in the 88th percentile for strikeout rate, Warren has accumulated 90 strikeouts, showing significant improvement in pitch deception and command. His recent outing against the Los Angeles Angels demonstrated this well—he struck out 11 batters across six innings while allowing three runs on six hits.

Defensive Errors Impact Warren’s Overall Performance

Yankees manager Aaron Boone pointed out that defensive miscues have affected Warren’s ability to post cleaner results. Boone commented on Warren’s recent performance:

“Will was great. A couple of almost-made plays and it’s even more dominant” —Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager

Despite these setbacks, Warren maintains composure even in pressure-filled situations, indicating strong mental resilience. With improved defense behind him, his outings could more consistently reflect dominance rather than just promise.

Developmental Stage Reflects Warren’s Youth and Rawness

At 26 years old, Warren is still refining his craft, especially his command of secondary pitches. His slider, while showing excellent movement, occasionally misses its intended spots and becomes vulnerable when hitters capitalize on those mistakes. This kind of challenge is typical for pitchers who are still honing their skills and adjusting to major league hitting.

Refining Sweeper Could Elevate Warren’s Effectiveness

A key to unlocking Warren’s full potential lies in sharpening his sweeper pitch, which was once a standout in the minors. Pairing that pitch with his already dangerous fastball would provide a formidable combination to challenge opposing batters. As he gains more experience and trust from the coaching staff, Warren’s confidence in both pitches is expected to grow.

Unexpected Opportunity Spurs Warren’s Progression

Initially, Warren was not slated to become a regular in the Yankees’ rotation so early in his career, but injuries to veteran pitchers created an opening. Rather than falter under this pressure, Warren has risen to the occasion, improving steadily with each start. Like Michael King, Warren possesses raw talent that requires continued refinement, but his performance trajectory suggests that success could arrive sooner than anticipated.