The New York Yankees have officially signed Clarke Schmidt to a one-year, $4.5 million contract, a move that shows the Bronx Bombers still have a lot of faith in a pitcher who has been through Tommy John twice — something many teams might be wary of or even shy away from. It’s not just a technical decision, but also an affirmation that the Yankees still believe Schmidt is a key part of their pitching rebuild.
Schmidt’s 2025 season has been a story of drama. When healthy, he has been excellent: a 3.32 ERA in 14 starts, many games showing a great deal of growth in his strike zone control, an upgraded fastball with a nasty bounce, and a sharper breaking ball. Schmidt has become a rare bright spot in a rotation that has been through a lot, and for the Yankees — who are always under the harshest scrutiny — every positive sign is invaluable.
But the climax came in a way no one expected. In July, when Schmidt was at his best, he was forced to stop to undergo the second Tommy John surgery of his career. For pitchers, one Tommy John surgery is a big challenge, and the second is almost a milestone that puts a question mark on the future. Many cases never return to the best version of themselves. But the Yankees do not seem to be among the skeptics. Instead, they choose to bet.
Those familiar with the Yankees say the team has analyzed Schmidt’s recovery process very carefully over the past few months. Although he still has a long way to go before he can return, reports show a good recovery rate, stable throwing mechanics and, most importantly, a strong fighting spirit. Schmidt is considered one of the Yankees’ most mentally tough pitchers, willing to overcome pain to return despite having his body endure two major surgeries.
The $4.5 million deal not only helps the Yankees avoid arbitration—which could cause unnecessary tension—but it also makes strategic sense. It’s a short-term, affordable deal, but it could potentially be a huge payoff if Schmidt recovers as expected. Given the Yankees’ desire to build a stable rotation around Gerrit Cole, keeping Schmidt around is both preventative and a long-term vision.
Yankees fans have reason to believe in this decision. Schmidt has proven time and again that he can bounce back from adversity. He was once considered a non-rival in the rotation, but has since become one of the most reliable starters when healthy. The 2025 season was cut short, but Schmidt’s performance is enough to raise hopes that this comeback journey will not be a test, but could be an inspiring new chapter.
And as the Bronx look ahead to next season with many questions still lingering in the pitching staff, the message from the Yankees front office is clear: Clarke Schmidt is still part of the plan. Despite the difficult road back, the Yankees believe in his tenacity—and they just proved it with a $4.5 million signing. Chants of “Let’s go Yankees!” will likely greet Schmidt when he returns to the mound… if all goes well.
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