There are few things more cruel in professional sports than a promising player getting injured. It’s part of the game, but it’s demoralizing for a multitude of reasons. While Clarke Schmidt doesn’t fit the billing of a burgeoning superstar or promising rookie that suffers a long-term injury, he was emerging as an above-average, consistent homegrown starter for the Yankees before undergoing Tommy John surgery in July.

When Schmidt was on the mound, he was consistent and effective, giving the Yankees 14 starts before being pulled from an early July start against the Blue Jays. While he did get the internal brace procedure that should allow him to return late in 2026, it’s unclear what his role will be going forward, and his status is now in question.

Grade: B

2025 Statistics: 14 GS, 78.2

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