The New York Yankees are poised for a shake-up in their starting rotation for the upcoming season, with Gerrit Cole’s return being the centerpiece of their plans. The team is eyeing a formidable group of starters, including Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil, Cam Schlittler, and Cole. However, with injuries being an inevitable reality in baseball, banking on these five pitchers to be available for every start is a risky bet. The Yankees know they’ll need reliable depth to navigate the long season.
Enter Clarke Schmidt, a name that could prove pivotal for the Yankees’ rotation. Schmidt, who underwent Tommy John surgery this summer, is expected to miss the first half of the season but could return after the All-Star break. Despite being arbitration-eligible and unlikely to provide a full season’s worth of starts, the Yankees are reportedly committed to retaining him rather than non-tendering him to cut costs.
“Yes, the Yankees could save money by non-tendering the rehabbing righty,” wrote Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News. “No, they are not expected to do that, as Schmidt has established himself as a solid middle-of-the-rotation pitcher and won’t be a free agent until 2028. If his recovery goes well, he could reinforce the team’s starting staff at an affordable rate in the second half next year.”
Schmidt’s track record supports the Yankees’ gamble. This season, he posted a 3.32 ERA over 14 starts. In 2023, he was even sharper, recording a 2.85 ERA in 16 starts. Since the start of 2023, his overall ERA stands at a respectable 3.85. While Schmidt is far from an ace, his consistency as a mid-rotation starter makes him a valuable asset, especially late in the season when injuries and fatigue often take their toll.
The decision to invest in Schmidt, despite his current injury, signals the Yankees’ confidence in his recovery and long-term potential. With his contract under team control through 2028, New York is betting that Schmidt can bolster their rotation at a bargain, providing crucial depth for a postseason push. It’s a bold move, but one that could pay dividends in the Bronx.