TAMPA — Two of the most interesting freshmen in the Yankees’ starting lineup provided flashes of what may be a not-so-distant future Friday.
Will Warren and Chase Hampton took live batting practice in the background with an interested audience that included several Yankees executives and coaches.
“They looked really good,” manager Aaron Boone said. “We’re certainly thrilled and thrilled to have these two guys come to camp with us and check that box for that experience. It’s great to be close to our players. It’s important. I’m excited about their progress and definitely feel like they have a bright future.”
Those prospects, especially in Warren’s case, could start with his impact on the Yankees in 2024. Warren pitched 99 innings in Triple-A last season and is closing in on the big leagues, but some talent evaluators see Hampton as having superior ability. higher ceilings.
Either way, the Yankees almost certainly need more starters than the five they have in the rotation, several of whom battled health issues last year.
And after an offseason in which the Yankees traded Juan Soto and four of their starting pitching options, pitchers like Warren and Hampton have stepped up to become the next tier of pitchers waiting for their chance in the Bronx. There are plenty of opportunities to improve.
“I just feel like I can help the team,” Warren said. “I don’t know how high that ceiling is or anything for that matter. I just want to go out and show them what I’ve got.”
Warren, a 24-year-old right-hander, emphasizes a combination of sinker and slider, “the real thing,” Boone said, and is tough on right-handed hitters.
He also throws a four-seam fastball, changeup, and cutter, which he has continued to develop since being drafted by the Yankees in 2021.
Hampton, a 22-year-old right-hander, pitched his first season as a professional last year and opened many eyes in the process. Between High-A Hudson Valley and Double-A Somerset, he had 145 strikeouts and a 3.63 ERA in 106/3 innings.
“I’m just a competitor,” Hampton said. “Just going out there and trying to win as much as I can and trying to beat everyone I saw honestly. So I think that was really the biggest thing.”
Warren and Hampton said they are trying to absorb as much information as possible in their first major league camp. The Yankees also need to gain a lot of insight into their young arms.
“They both have advanced weapons, so you know what it’s like,” pitching coach Matt Blake said. “Now it’s just a matter of learning how to use them against more advanced hitters.”
