Will the Yankees Trade for a Replacement? Clarke Schmidt’s Likely Tommy John Surgery Sparks Urgent Discussion

NEW YORK — The New York Yankees face a tough situation. Clarke Schmidt, a key pitcher, might need Tommy John surgery, according to manager Aaron Boone. If he goes through with it, he will miss the rest of this season and likely much of next year.

The Yankees must now decide how to replace him. With the trade deadline looming on July 31, they could look to their minor leagues for help or trade for another starting pitcher. But what’s the right move?

Boone seems to think surgery is almost a certainty. “I think it’s pretty much inevitable,” he said before a game against the Mets.

Replacing Schmidt won’t be easy. He has been pitching well, with a record of 4-4 and a 3.32 ERA over 14 starts. Recently, he had a stunning performance against the Orioles, pitching seven perfect innings. After leaving a game against the Blue Jays early due to forearm tightness, he was placed on the injured list and scheduled for an MRI. This is particularly tough as Schmidt would be the Yankees’ second starter to undergo Tommy John surgery this year, following ace Gerrit Cole.

The good news? The Yankees expect to welcome back Luis Gil soon, a promising pitcher recovering from a right lat strain. They also hope Ryan Yarbrough, who had a decent 3.83 ERA before his oblique strain, can return after the All-Star break.

However, the team’s current rotation remains shaky. Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, and Marcus Stroman all have long injury histories, and rookie Will Warren could add uncertainty.

One option could be Cam Schlittler. At 24, he’s been performing well in Triple-A, holding a 4.18 ERA with impressive strikeout rates. Boone is optimistic about Schlittler, praising his growth and performance in spring training.

The Yankees could also consider trading for a seasoned pitcher. Names like Sandy Alcantara from the Miami Marlins look appealing, even though he’s having an off season. Teams often ask for top prospects in these trades, making it a tricky negotiation. George Lombard Jr., their rising star shortstop, seems to be untouchable.

Recent data shows that teams are increasingly valuing younger talents. A survey by Major League Baseball found that 73% of teams prefer to build around young prospects rather than acquire established veterans. This trend puts additional pressure on the Yankees to make smart decisions.

The upcoming trade deadline will be pivotal for the Yankees. They must weigh the benefits of promoting promising talent against the risks of trading away valuable prospects. Whatever path they choose will play a crucial role in their quest for a successful season.

For more insights on player performance and potential trades, visit ESPN.

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