The Growth Of Clarke Schmidt

Heading into the season, there were more questions than answers regarding Yankees starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt. Schmidt had a very inconsistent first full season in the starting rotation and gave up 24 home runs. However, the biggest criticism against Schmidt was his inability to get through the line-up three times. Some even argued that Schmidt was better suited for the bullpen and that New York should’ve acquired another starter. However, so far this season, Clarke Schmidt is having a breakout year.

A Rocky First Full Season In The Rotation

Before the 2023 season, Clarke Schmidt wasn’t supposed to be a part of the Yankees starting rotations plans. He was beaten out in spring training by Domingo German for the final spot in the rotation. However, injuries to Carlos Rodon, Nestor Cortes, and Frankie Montas forced him into the rotation. Before becoming a full-time starter, Schmidt only made a handful of starts and had been primarily a reliever. At one point, due to all the injuries, Schmidt was the Yankees number two starter behind Gerrit Cole. In his first full season as a starter, Schmidt went 9-9 with an ERA of 4.64, 149 strikeouts, and a 1.352 WHIP. He also gave up 24 home runs and only earned five quality starts. His biggest issue was getting through an opponent’s line-up the third time around.

The Yankees Tried To Trade Schmidt In The Offseason

During the offseason, the Yankees wanted to include Clarke Schmidt not Michael King in the Juan Soto trade. However, the Padres insisted on King being a part of the deal instead. While it wasn’t said publicly, 2024 was very much a big “prove it” year for the former first-round pick.

Clarke Schmidt Is Having A Breakout Year

After Gerrit Cole went down and given Schmidt’s struggles in 2023; many people argued that the Yankees should sign an additional starting pitcher. However, the Yankees remained content with having Schmidt in the starting rotation. New York’s decision to keep the former South Carolina Gamecock is proving to be a great decision. So far in 2024, Clarke Schmidt is having a breakout season. He’s currently 5-1 with an ERA of 2.49, 55 strikeouts, and a 1.125 WHIP. He also recently registered back-to-back quality starts for the first time in his career. This included in his last start throwing a career-high eight shutout innings capping off a sweep of the Minnesota Twins.

Schmidt Is Carving Himself A Long Term Spot In The Rotation

Clarke Schmidt’s growth as a starting pitcher is a big reason why the rotation has been able to have success without Cole. The 28-year-old is also starting to overcome his problem of getting through the line-up three times. The Yankees should feel fortunate that he wasn’t included in the Juan Soto deal. Schmidt perhaps is carving a spot in the Yankees rotation beyond this season as well. Schmidt’s breakout is giving the Yankees front office plenty of things to consider come the second half of the season.

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