Former Shark Will Warren was Yankees' Number 3 Starter in 2025

September 27, 2025 — MARTHA'S VINEYARD, Mass. — Former Martha’s Vineyard Sharks pitcher Will Warren completed a standout rookie season with the New York Yankees, cementing his status as one of the organization’s most promising young arms and becoming the first Sharks alum ever to log a full MLB season.

A native of Pearl, Miss., Warren was selected by the Yankees in the fourth round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of Southeastern Louisiana University. He finished his rookie campaign with a 9–8 record and a 4.44 ERA across 33 starts, striking out a rookie-leading 171 batters over 162.1 innings. His steady performance helped stabilize a Yankees rotation depleted by veteran injuries and earned him widespread recognition as the American League’s top first-year pitcher.

Warren pitched for the Sharks in 2019 while at Southeastern Louisiana, using the summer to elevate his professional trajectory. He appeared in 4 games, recording a 2.70 ERA over 23.1 innings, striking out 22 and holding opponents to a .211 batting average. Among his most memorable outings were a dominant performance against the Newport Gulls on July 7th where he struck out 6 batters over 7IP in a 5-1 win that was part of the Sharks' 11-game winning streak.

That strong summer carried into his junior year, where Warren went 2-0 with a 1.90 ERA and 30 strikeouts in 23.2 innings. In 2021, he closed his collegiate career with a 7-2 record, 2.57 ERA, and two complete games, leading to his selection as the Yankees’ fourth college pitching pick in that year’s draft.

Warren’s climb through the Yankees’ system accelerated quickly. With High-A Hudson Valley in 2022, he struck out 42 in 35 innings on the way to a 2-3 record. By 2023, he had advanced to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he dominated with a 7-4 record, 3.61 ERA, and 110 strikeouts in 99.2 innings. He made his MLB debut in a brief 2024 stint, appearing in six games (five starts) and recording a 10.32 ERA, valuable experience that set the foundation for his breakout the following season.

In 2025, Due to injuries to Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil, Warren made the Yankees' Opening Day roster in 2025 as the Yankees’ fifth-starter. Warren grew into a dependable No. 3 starter by midseason. He secured his first MLB win on April 12th against the San Francisco Giants 8-4, with 5.0 innings pitched, allowing two hits and two earned runs, while striking out 6 batters. Later in the season on July 17th he delivered a career-high 11 strikeouts against the Los Angeles Dodgers over 6.0 innings. A midseason slump caused by command issues briefly raised his ERA, but he rebounded strongly in August, going 2-1 with a 2.84 ERA over five starts to help the Yankees clinch a wild card berth.

Warren finished the season tied for 59th in the AL in wins (9) and 29th in MLB with 171 strikeouts, matching Luis Gil and Al Downing for the third-most strikeouts by a Yankees rookie in franchise history. His 171 punchouts led all MLB rookies, showcasing both his swing-and-miss arsenal and his composure under Yankee Stadium pressure.

Warren is the first player in Martha’s Vineyard Sharks history to reach Major League Baseball, joining a growing list of accomplished alumni.

For tickets, schedules, and more information, visit mvsharks.com or follow the Sharks on Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram. Go Sharks!

About the Martha's Vineyard Sharks
The Martha's Vineyard Sharks are a member of the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL), providing top collegiate talent with a platform to develop and entertain fans across the region. The MV Sharks Baseball Foundation, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to promoting baseball on Martha's Vineyard. We are currently seeking support to improve our baseball field at The Shark Tank, enhancing facilities for players, fans, and the community. The total estimated cost for these upgrades is $520,000, and as of today, we have secured commitments totaling $200,000. If interested, your donation will help bridge this gap, directly contributing to better playing conditions, safety features, and accessibility, ensuring the Martha's Vineyard Sharks continue to thrive as a beacon of youth development and local pride. Donate here today via our secure online form at mvsharks.com/donate (powered by MxMerchant for seamless, tax-receipted giving), or email/call Russ Curran at russ.curran@mvsharks.com / 508-813-0380. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference and qualifies for tax benefits.