Yankees expected to retain arbitration-eligible starting pitcher

The New York Yankees could see the return of some of their key starting pitchers next season, including Clarke Schmidt, who missed the majority of the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Schmidt joined Gerrit Cole as Yankees starters to need Tommy John in 2025. Schmidt appeared in 14 games prior to going down, pitching to a 3-3 record with a 3.32 ERA. This offseason, Schmidt is arbitration-eligible, and despite not getting him part of 2026 while he recovers, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News still expects Schmidt to be brought back.

“Yes, the Yankees could save money by non-tendering the rehabbing righty,” Phillips said. “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.”

As Phillips mentioned, Schmidt has become a key figure of the Yankees’ rotation since becoming a full-time starter in 2023, so getting him back as soon as possible will be key for a Yankees team that could start the year without Cole, Schmidt, and Carlos Rodon. Cam Schlittler and Max Fried are more than capable of holding down the fort until their return, but they’ll be needed eventually if the Yankees hope to compete for title 28 in 2026.