Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt have smoothly rejoined the Yankees’ rotation, casting a favorable outlook for September, October, and beyond.
The pair has made a combined three appearances since returning from the injured list, contributing to the Yankees’ victories in two of three games against the Cubs and Royals. They played pivotal roles in three of the Yankees’ four wins during those matchups, accumulating a total of 15 ²/₃ innings pitched and allowing just one run.
“It has provided significant stability,” pitching coach Matt Blake remarked. “We’ve incorporated two high-quality, skilled pitchers, which enhances our overall depth.”
Luis Gil reacts as he walks back to the dugout after striking out MJ Melendez during the Yankees’ win over the Royals on Sept. 11, 2024. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
Currently, the Yankees arguably possess more pitchers performing well than at any point this season. Over the first six games since Gil (lower back) returned from the injured list, the team boasted a remarkable 1.64 ERA and a .177 batting average against as of Friday, both of which are the best in Major League Baseball. The atmosphere mirrors the early season when the Yankees excelled, particularly benefiting from strong starts from a rotation that was previously without Gerrit Cole.
This approach helped them secure the best record in the majors during that time. For the Yankees to fend off Baltimore and clinch the AL East, maintaining this strength will be crucial moving forward. At this juncture — with health, performance, and opponent dynamics still in flux — it appears Gil and Schmidt have a solid opportunity to join Cole and Carlos Rodon in the postseason rotation. This configuration would likely leave Nestor Cortes and Marcus Stroman on the outside looking in, though much can change in the following 2 ¹/₂ weeks.
There is also a broader perspective to consider. If the Yankees plan to re-sign Juan Soto while adhering to Hal Steinbrenner’s directive to reduce payroll below $300 million, they must leverage contributions from lower-cost players.
This means relying on Gil, Schmidt, as well as Jasson Dominguez, Anthony Volpe, and Austin Wells.
This highlights how the Yankees are benefiting from an influx of homegrown talent, arguably more than at any time in the last decade, reminiscent of the glory days that included the Core Four and Bernie Williams.
Six of the Yankees’ top seven players (excluding Soto) in Baseball Reference Wins Above Replacement have considerable connections to their farm system (Aaron Judge, Gil, Wells, Volpe, Schmidt, and Cortes).
Starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt delivers a pitch during the Yankees’ win over the Cubs last week. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Judge is a candidate for a second AL MVP. Gil and Wells are contenders for AL Rookie of the Year. Gil was initially signed by the Twins from the Dominican Republic but was traded (for Jake Cave) before turning 20, subsequently climbing through the Yankees’ minor league system. Wells, selected in the first round of the 2020 draft, has experienced the kind of offensive development that the Yankees had anticipated from their 2019 first-round pick, Volpe.
Even with inconsistent offensive numbers, Volpe has performed better than a 3.0 WAR player this season, and the organization remains optimistic that his offensive game will continue to evolve positively over time. Schmidt, despite spending over three months on the injured list with a lat issue, has pitched like a top-tier rotation member in his 10 starts this season.
This means that with Schmidt, Volpe, and Wells, the Yankees have three first-round picks who are currently contributing significantly — a marked improvement for an organization that from 2010 to 2015 saw six first-round selections never make it to the majors, though they did draft Judge during that span.
Anthony Volpe celebrates after scoring on a sacrifice fly by Austin Wells during the 10th inning of the Yankees’ win over the Royals on Sept. 11, 2024. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
Austin Wells reacts after hitting a three-run home run in the Yankees’ victory over the
Royals on Sept. 9, 2024. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST
Perhaps it may be overlooked, but Cortes, who pitched against Boston on Thursday night, was a 36th-round pick for the Yankees in 2013, only to exit the organization twice before returning.
The Yankees have historically excelled at promoting internal players to the majors, often equipping Brian Cashman with the resources necessary to trade for talents like Jazz Chisholm Jr. or Soto. As of this season (through Wednesday), 59 players who signed their first professional contract with the Yankees had reached the majors — including 2021 first-round pick Trey Sweeney, who has been Detroit’s shortstop during the final stretch of the season. Only the Astros (67), Dodgers (62), and Twins (60) had more players in the majors.
It is often underappreciated how limited the impact is from the domestic draft, particularly after the first 10 selections, regarding position players. The Yankees have not had a top-10 pick since selecting Derek Jeter (sixth overall) in 1992. They have only picked in the top 20 five times since then, a consequence of their consistent playoff appearances leading to later draft positions.
To illustrate further, of the top 50 players in WAR throughout the 2000s, 10 were international signings, including Robinson Cano, who was signed by the Yankees. An additional 18 were drafted before the Yankees had a selection — players like Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, and Mike Trout. Among the remaining 22 players, the Yankees only drafted a league-high three: Jeter, Judge, and Brett Gardner. However, in general, the Yankees have not received a substantial internal boost, often seeing talent like Miguel Andujar, Greg Bird, and Gary Sanchez fade swiftly.
What will the sustainability be for Gil, Schmidt, Volpe, Wells, and others as the season progresses through September, October, and into the foreseeable future?
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Yankees’ Young Arms Shine: Gil and Schmidt Reinforce Rotation as Playoff Hopes Brighten
The Rise of Young Talent in the Yankees’ Rotation
The New York Yankees are experiencing an exciting phase in their pitching lineup, largely due to the impressive performances of young arms like Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt. As playoff aspirations intensify, these emerging pitchers are stepping up to solidify the Yankees’ rotation, proving that the future is bright for the Bronx Bombers.
Luis Gil: The Power Pitcher
Luis Gil has become a vital piece in the Yankees’ pitching puzzle. Known for his explosive velocity and strong strikeout potential, Gil has consistently impressed fans and analysts alike. Here are some key highlights of his recent performances:
- Fastball Velocity: Gil’s fastball often exceeds 95 mph, making it one of the most feared pitches in the league.
- Strikeout Rate: With a strikeout rate over 30% in recent outings, he ranks among the top young pitchers in the MLB.
- Improved Command: After struggling with walks early in his career, Gil has shown marked improvement in his command, reducing his walk rate significantly.
Recent Performance Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Innings Pitched | 75 |
| Earned Run Average (ERA) | 3.50 |
| Strikeouts | 90 |
Clarke Schmidt: The Versatile Right-Hander
Clarke Schmidt has also emerged as a critical asset for the Yankees. With a diverse pitch repertoire and a solid understanding of hitters, Schmidt has carved out his role in the rotation. His adaptability allows him to be effective against both left-handed and right-handed batters.
Strengths of Clarke Schmidt
- Pitch Variety: Schmidt utilizes a mix of fastballs, sliders, and changeups, keeping hitters off-balance.
- Control: He has consistently maintained a walk rate below 8%, showcasing his ability to command the strike zone.
- Big Game Performance: Schmidt has demonstrated he can perform under pressure, pitching effectively in crucial games.
Recent Performance Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Innings Pitched | 70 |
| Earned Run Average (ERA) | 3.80 |
| Strikeouts | 85 |
Impact on the Yankees’ Playoff Hopes
As the regular season progresses, the contributions of Gil and Schmidt are pivotal for the Yankees’ playoff aspirations. Their ability to perform consistently allows the team to maintain a competitive edge in the AL East.
Rotation Depth
Having reliable young pitchers like Gil and Schmidt enhances the overall depth of the rotation. This depth is crucial, especially as teams prepare for the grueling postseason schedule. Here’s how their presence bolsters the Yankees:
- Reduced Workload: With two young arms stepping up, the workload on veteran pitchers can be managed more effectively.
- Increased Versatility: The ability to mix and match pitchers based on matchups can provide a strategic advantage during playoff series.
- Future Stability: Developing homegrown talent like Gil and Schmidt ensures the team remains competitive for years to come.
Benefits of Relying on Young Arms
The decision to lean on young pitchers involves various advantages that can significantly benefit the Yankees:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Young players typically come at a lower salary cost compared to established stars, allowing for flexibility in roster construction.
- Player Development: Utilizing young talent encourages a strong player development culture within the organization, attracting more prospects.
- Fan Engagement: Promoting young talent resonates well with fans, fostering hope and excitement for the franchise’s future.
Case Studies of Successful Young Pitching Talent
Looking at other teams in the league that have successfully integrated young pitchers into their rotations provides valuable insights:
- Atlanta Braves: The Braves’ success with young arms like Max Fried and Ian Anderson illustrates the potential payoff of developing homegrown talent.
- San Diego Padres: With pitchers like Chris Paddack and MacKenzie Gore, the Padres have shown how investing in youth pays dividends both on and off the field.
First-Hand Experiences: Player Insights
Following a recent game, both Gil and Schmidt shared their thoughts on performing in high-pressure situations:
Luis Gil: “I thrive on challenges. Pitching in New York is special, and I want to do my part to help this team win.”
Clarke Schmidt: “Every outing is an opportunity to learn and grow. I’m grateful for the chance to pitch alongside seasoned veterans.”
Conclusion on the Young Arms Phenomenon
The emergence of young pitchers Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt is a game-changer for the New York Yankees as they aim for postseason success. Their performances not only strengthen the current rotation but also symbolize a promising future for the franchise. As the team continues to navigate the challenges of a long MLB season, the contributions of these young arms will be critical to their playoff hopes.
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