Some twists and turns within a baseball season can affect a team more than others, and the New York Yankees got hit with a gut punch on Saturday.
According to Yankees manager Aaron Boone, starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt is “likely” to need Tommy John surgery. It will not only end his 2025 season, but likely keep him out for most or all of 2026.
From an individual standpoint, one can’t help but feel for Schmidt. But from a collective standpoint, the Yankees now have a heightened need for starting pitching at the trade deadline, as a reliable righty with a 3.32 ERA in 14 starts has vanished.
That’s why Athlon’s Zach Kaplan believes the Yankees should give the Pittsburgh Pirates a call.
On Saturday, Kaplan proposed a mock trade that would bring the Pirates’ Mitch Keller (RHP) and Isiah Kiner-Falefa (UTIL) to the Yankees in exchange for Oswald Peraza (INF) and prospect Chase Hampton (RHP).
“Keller’s price may never be lower than now, as at face value, his 3-10 record and 3.64 ERA leaves a lot to be desired. Before this year, however, Keller threw 159 or more innings in each of the last three seasons and appears on track to do so again,” wrote Kaplan.
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“The Yankees need inning-eaters, as Marcus Stroman and Will Warren don’t exactly inspire confidence with their length. Throwing IKF into the deal would give the Yankees a versatile contact hitter and speedster who is familiar with the system.”
Keller’s $77 million contract extends through 2028, so the Yankees wouldn’t only have an extra durable starter for this season, but for the foreseeable future.
Kiner-Falefa wasn’t exactly a fan favorite for much of his time in New York, but when the Yankees used him in the role he’s meant for, he was more of an asset than a roadblock.
It’s only one option, but clearly, the Yankees have a lot of work ahead at the deadline.
More MLB: Yankees trade pitch brings beloved Pirates two-time All-Star to New York
