Clarke Schmidt's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Right-hander Clarke Schmidt and the New York Yankees agreed to a one-year, $3.6 million deal on Thursday to avoid salary arbitration, according to a source. Schmidt only made 16 regular-season starts for the Yankees in 2024 due to a right-lat injury, but when he was on the mound, he was great, posting a career-best 2.85 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP with 93 punchouts in 85 1/3 innings thrown. For his efforts, he'll receive a $1.57 million raise going into 2025. The Yanks added left-hander Max Fried to their starting rotation this winter, but Schmidt should still be a part of the team's Opening Day rotation. The 28-year-old is by no means a household name, but if he can build on his progress from last year before he got hurt, he could be an excellent value pick in 2025 fantasy drafts. Schmidt does an above-average job at avoiding contact and inducing weak contact.

New York Yankees right-hander Clarke Schmidt will start Game 3 of the World Series on Monday against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Yankee Stadium. Right-hander Gerrit Cole and lefty Carlos Rodon will start Game 1 and Game 2, respectively, at Dodger Stadium on Friday and Saturday. Due to injury, Schmidt made 16 starts during the regular season and was great, going 5-5 with a 2.85 ERA (3.58 FIP), a 1.18 WHIP and a 93:30 K:BB in 85 1/3 innings pitched. He hasn't stood out in either of his two postseason starts this year against the Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Guardians, allowing four earned runs on nine hits (one homer) while walking three and striking out six in 9 1/3 frames. Schmidt did not face the potent Dodgers lineup during the regular season and will have a tough task ahead of him in the Bronx and will likely be on a short leash if he struggles.

New York Yankees starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt will take the bump in Game 3 of the ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday. The Yankees have determined the first four games of their rotation already, and Schmidt is set to start the third of those. The 28-year-old started Game 3 of the ALDS as well and was solid, throwing 4 IP and allowing two runs. Schmidt will likely be on a short leash like he was in his first start, with the Yankees just trying to squeeze as many quality innings as they can out of the back end of their rotation.