Is there a race track in Tampa? Inform them of the massive race within the New York Yankees’ clubhouse. The stakes are clear and so are the participants – the price? That elusive No. 5 spot in the Yankees’ rotation. Gerrit Cole’s injury has suddenly become a massive window of opportunity for the top prospects. But here’s the catch: a firebreather has just joined the race and has become a huge threat to every participant. 

Filling that No. 5 spot was already a massive headache for Aaron Boone. However, this is a headache of a good kind. For instance, instead of compromising for just a “good enough” player, the Yankees have a legitimate competition brewing within their organization. With so much at stake who will prevail in this battle for immortality? 

Luis Gil 

Luis Gil has suddenly become a massive favorite. The firebreathing pitcher is going through the form of his life. In fact, as MLB.com reported Aaron Boone thinks that Gil is making “a really strong case” for an Opening Day roster spot. As a result, he has put the entire Yankees pitching staff on notice.

With a 2.31 ERA (via Baseball-Reference), Gil has been hurling rockets at his opponents. More importantly, he has finally found some rhythm after the Tommy John surgery in 2022. The fact that Gil threw 63 pitches yesterday against the New York Mets only makes his case stronger. As a result, currently, Gil looks to be in a leading position but then the field has a lot more pitchers he needs to compete with.

Will Warren

The chief competition for Gil, the Bombers’ top prospect Will Warren has been hurling bombs as well. While the 24-year-old still has some development to do, his mental fortitude makes him a talent to behold. That was visible in the game against the Boston Red Sox where after a disastrous first inning, Warren came back to strike out hitters back-to-back. 

However, with a 4.35 ERA in Spring Training till now, he remains a little behind Gil. But then, the sheer potential of Warren leads one to believe that the future is bright for this young man. 

Others engaged in this race to glory within the New York Yankees 

Clayton Beeter

Clayton Beeter is another prospect that the Bombers are extremely high on. However, last season he visibly struggled in the Triple A. Due to his control issues, Beeter gave away 75 walks in the minor leagues. Perhaps that’s why Beeter’s chances of starting have dwindled ever since the rise of Gil and Warren. Still, there’s a chance for the pitcher to make the jump relatively sooner.

Luke Weaver 

Though Luke Weaver has majorly struggled throughout his major league career, the Yankees signing proved to be a game-changer. In 2023 he had a 6.40 ERA but that dropped to 3.38 in the Yankees. With 8 years of experience to boot, Weaver can make a strong case for himself. However, for now, he seems set for a big role in the Yankees’ bullpen.

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New York Yankees Prospect Set to Replace Gerrit Cole? Jordan Montgomery Deal Still on Amidst Rotation Doubts

Certainly, the race for the fifth spot is shaping up to be ridiculously stacked. With days to go till the Opening Day, one wonders just how many more stars will stake their claim to this spot.