Clarke Douglas Schmidt, born on February 20, 1996, is an American professional baseball pitcher currently making his mark with the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball (MLB). From his promising college career at the University of South Carolina to navigating injuries and establishing himself in the Bronx, Schmidt’s journey has been one of perseverance, development, and a continuous quest for pitching excellence.
This comprehensive article delves into Clarke Schmidt’s career, his evolving pitching arsenal, his stats, injury history, personal life, and what the future may hold for this vital component of the Yankees’ rotation.
Early Life and Amateur Career: A South Carolina Gamecock Star
Hailing from Acworth, Georgia, Clarke Schmidt’s baseball journey began at Allatoona High School. Despite his talent, he was not drafted out of high school, choosing instead to hone his skills at the collegiate level. He committed to the University of South Carolina, becoming a key player for the Gamecocks.
As a freshman in 2015, Schmidt showed flashes of his potential, pitching in 18 games (10 starts) with a 2-2 record and a 4.81 ERA. However, it was in his sophomore year (2016) that he truly emerged as the Gamecocks’ ace. He posted an impressive 9-5 record with a 3.40 ERA and 129 strikeouts in 18 appearances (17 starts), showcasing his ability to dominate opposing lineups. His junior year in 2017 started strong, but it was unfortunately cut short by a significant injury: Tommy John surgery in April 2017. Despite the setback, his impressive collegiate performance had already caught the eye of MLB scouts.
Professional Career: From Draft Pick to Yankee Mainstay
The New York Yankees, recognizing Schmidt’s talent and potential, selected him in the first round of the 2017 MLB draft, 16th overall. On June 24, 2017, he officially joined the Yankees organization, signing for a $2,184,300 signing bonus. His recovery from Tommy John surgery meant he didn’t see any action in 2017.
Early Minor League Stints and MLB Debut
Schmidt made his professional debut in 2018, splitting time between the GCL Yankees (Rookie-level Gulf Coast League) and the Staten Island Yankees (Low-A New York-Penn League). He posted a combined 0-3 record with a 3.09 ERA across 23.1 innings.
The 2019 season saw him progress through the Yankees’ minor league system, starting with the Tampa Tarpons (High-A Florida State League) before being promoted to the Trenton Thunder (Double-A Eastern League) in August. His consistent performance earned him a call-up to the major leagues.
Clarke Schmidt made his highly anticipated MLB debut on September 4, 2020, appearing out of the bullpen. This marked the beginning of his journey in the big leagues, where he would gradually transition from a relief role to a starting pitcher.
Navigating Injuries and Finding His Stride (2021-2023)
The 2021 season started with another injury setback for Schmidt, as he was shut down during spring training due to a common extensor strain in his right elbow, though an MRI showed no ligament damage. He was placed on the 60-day injured list in March and activated in August, subsequently optioned to the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.
In 2022, Schmidt made the Yankees’ Opening Day roster and began to establish himself as a valuable multi-inning reliever and spot starter. He earned his first major league win on April 19 and recorded his first career save on July 24, demonstrating his versatility and effectiveness in various roles.
The 2023 season was a significant one for Schmidt, as he transitioned primarily into a starting role for the Yankees. He made 33 appearances, with 32 of them being starts. He finished the season with a 9-9 record, a 4.64 ERA, and 149 strikeouts over 159 innings pitched. While the ERA might not jump off the page, it was a crucial year for him to gain experience as a full-time starter and refine his approach against big-league hitters. He showed flashes of dominance and the ability to go deep into games.
The Promising 2024 Season and Recent Challenges (2024-2025)
The 2024 season saw a notable improvement in Schmidt’s performance. Prior to suffering a lat strain in late May, he was pitching at a high level, ranking among the top starting pitchers by fWAR (FanGraphs Wins Above Replacement). He managed to go 5-5 with an impressive 2.85 ERA and a 1.184 WHIP across 16 starts and 85.1 innings. This period showcased his potential to be a front-line starter. However, the lat strain limited his season, and he struggled in the postseason, going 0-1 with a 5.25 ERA.
The beginning of the 2025 season presented further challenges for Schmidt, marked by back and shoulder injuries during spring training. He began the regular season on the injured list with right rotator cuff tendonitis. His return to the mound has been somewhat uneven, with a 0-1 record and a 5.52 ERA in his first three starts (as of early May 2025). Most recently, he was scratched from a scheduled start due to left side soreness, though an MRI revealed no structural damage, and he is expected to pitch again soon.
Despite these recent setbacks, Clarke Schmidt remains a crucial piece of the Yankees’ pitching staff, especially with key rotation members like Gerrit Cole sidelined. His ability to step up and potentially fill a No. 2 starter role has been a narrative around the team.
Pitching Style and Arsenal: A Developing Repertoire
Clarke Schmidt is a right-handed pitcher known for his diverse and evolving arsenal. He is often characterized as a “sinker-sweeper archetype” pitcher, though he has continued to refine and add to his pitches.
His primary pitches include:
Sinker: This pitch exhibits some natural sinking action and slightly above-average velocity. While it might not generate an extreme amount of ground balls or swing-and-miss against left-handed hitters, Schmidt has focused on locating it outside and even elevating it, leading to improved results.
Sweeper: A highly effective pitch, especially against right-handed hitters, his sweeper generates a significant amount of swing-and-miss. It’s a key out pitch in his arsenal.
Cutter: Schmidt’s cutter is an excellent option against both right and left-handed hitters. He has worked on establishing it in the top half of the zone and commanding it to both sides of the plate. It has shown excellent swing-and-miss rates and prevents hard contact.
Knuckle Curveball: This pitch is considered an “absolute weapon” and ranks among the best by Stuff+ (a metric for pitch quality). It generates many whiffs, particularly against left-handed hitters, and suppresses hard contact. Schmidt has shown confidence in this pitch as an out pitch when ahead in the count.
Fourseam Fastball: While not his primary fastball, his four-seamer generates more whiffs per swing compared to other pitchers’ four-seamers, has some natural sinking action, and slightly above-average velocity.
Schmidt’s development has focused on improving his approach and execution, particularly against left-handed hitters. While sinkers and sweepers can be less effective against opposite-handed batters, he has made significant strides in making his fastballs more impactful in those situations through locational adjustments. His ability to command his cutter and knuckle curve to both sides of the plate has been crucial to his growth as a starter.
Key Stats and Achievements
Throughout his career, Clarke Schmidt has accumulated notable statistics, reflecting his progress and impact.
Win-Loss Record: 20-21 (through May 17, 2025)
Earned Run Average (ERA): 3.99 (career, through May 17, 2025)
Strikeouts (SO): 341 (career, through May 17, 2025)
2023 Season: 9-9 record, 4.64 ERA, 149 strikeouts in 159.0 innings (33 appearances, 32 starts).
2024 Season: 5-5 record, 2.85 ERA, 93 strikeouts in 85.1 innings (16 starts, limited by injury).
These numbers highlight his increasing role and effectiveness as a starter, especially his strong performance in 2024 before the injury.
Injury History: A Recurring Theme
Clarke Schmidt’s professional career has unfortunately been punctuated by several injuries, which have impacted his ability to maintain consistent availability.
April 2017: Tommy John surgery (college)
Spring Training 2021: Common extensor strain in right elbow
Late May 2024: Right lat strain, limiting his season to 16 starts.
Spring Training 2025: Back and shoulder injuries, including right rotator cuff tendonitis, leading to him starting the season on the injured list.
May 2025: Left side soreness, causing him to be scratched from a start (though an MRI showed no structural damage, indicating a precautionary measure).
Managing these injuries and maintaining his health will be crucial for Schmidt to realize his full potential and establish himself as a durable, consistent starter in the Yankees’ rotation.
FAQs
Who is Clarke Schmidt?
Clarke Douglas Schmidt is a professional baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on February 20, 1996, in Acworth, Georgia, Schmidt played college baseball for the South Carolina Gamecocks. He was selected by the Yankees in the first round, 16th overall, of the 2017 MLB Draft and made his MLB debut on September 4, 2020.
What are Clarke Schmidt’s current stats for the 2025 season?
As of May 23, 2025, Clarke Schmidt has appeared in 6 games, all as a starting pitcher. His record stands at 1 win and 1 loss, with an Earned Run Average (ERA) of 4.41 over 32.2 innings pitched. He has recorded 30 strikeouts and holds a Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched (WHIP) of 1.29.
Has Clarke Schmidt experienced any injuries recently?
Yes, Schmidt began the 2025 season on the injured list due to right rotator cuff tendinitis. He made his second rehab start for Double-A Somerset on April 10, 2025, pitching four scoreless innings. Additionally, he was scratched from a start in early May due to left side soreness, but an MRI came back clean, and he returned to the rotation shortly after.
What is Clarke Schmidt’s contract status with the Yankees?
In January 2025, Clarke Schmidt signed a one-year, $3.6 million contract with the New York Yankees, avoiding arbitration.
What was the significance of the ceremonial first pitch involving Clarke Schmidt’s father?
On May 22, 2025, during a Yankees game, Clarke Schmidt’s father, U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Dwight Schmidt, surprised him by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. This heartfelt moment was especially meaningful for Clarke, who caught the pitch from his father, marking a memorable family and professional milestone.
How has Clarke Schmidt evolved as a pitcher?
Schmidt has developed a diverse pitching arsenal, including a cutter, sweeper, sinker, and knucklecurve. His adaptability and refinement of these pitches have contributed to his growth as a reliable starter in the Yankees’ rotation.
What is Clarke Schmidt’s role in the Yankees’ 2025 rotation?
Clarke Schmidt is part of a formidable Yankees starting rotation in 2025, which includes Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, and Luis Gil. His presence adds depth and stability to the pitching staff, especially given his performance and resilience following injuries.
What are Clarke Schmidt’s career statistics up to 2025?
Up to the 2025 season, Clarke Schmidt has appeared in 89 MLB games, with a win-loss record of 20-21. He has an ERA of 3.99 over 347.1 innings pitched and has accumulated 341 strikeouts.
Where did Clarke Schmidt play college baseball?
Clarke Schmidt played college baseball at the University of South Carolina for the Gamecocks. He became the team’s ace during his sophomore year and was recognized for his performance before undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2017.
What is Clarke Schmidt’s background and early life?
Clarke Schmidt was born in Acworth, Georgia, and attended Allatoona High School. Despite not being drafted out of high school, he made a significant impact at the University of South Carolina, leading to his first-round selection by the Yankees in 2017.
To conclude
Clarke Schmidt’s journey from a promising college pitcher to a key member of the New York Yankees’ rotation exemplifies determination and growth. Overcoming early setbacks, including Tommy John surgery and shoulder issues, Schmidt has demonstrated resilience and adaptability. His evolving pitching repertoire, featuring a mix of cutters, sweepers, sinkers, and knucklecurves, has made him a versatile and reliable starter.
The 2025 season has been particularly eventful for Schmidt. After recovering from rotator cuff tendinitis, he returned to the mound, contributing significantly to the Yankees’ pitching staff. His performance, highlighted by a 4.41 ERA and 30 strikeouts over 32.2 innings, underscores his value to the team.
Beyond statistics, Schmidt’s personal moments have resonated with fans. The surprise ceremonial first pitch thrown by his father, Colonel Dwight Schmidt, on May 22, 2025, added a heartfelt chapter to his professional narrative.
As the Yankees aim for postseason success, Clarke Schmidt’s role will be pivotal. His journey reflects not only athletic prowess but also the character and perseverance that define a true professional athlete. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as he continues to make his mark in Major League Baseball.
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