Yankees' Top 2025 MLB Trade Deadline Targets After Clarke Schmidt Injury
The New York Yankees' pitching staff suffered another tough blow on Saturday.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters that Clarke Schmidt will "likely" have Tommy John surgery, which would put an end to his 2025 season—and possibly cost him the majority of the 2026 season as well.
Schmidt has recorded a 4-4 record in 14 starts this season, compiling a 3.32 ERA and 1.093 WHIP. He has also amassed 73 strikeouts in 78.2 innings of work.
New York has already dealt with multiple injuries to its rotation, with ace Gerrit Cole out for the team's entire 2025 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery of his own.
2024 Rookie of the Year winner Luis Gil also hasn't made his season debut due to a lat strain.
As the Yankees look to stay competitive in the race for the American League East crown, they could target some starting pitching help ahead of the July 31 trade deadline.
Here are a few potential options.
Sandy Alcantara, RHP, Miami Marlins
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A possible target for the Yankees could be Miami Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara.
Alcantara earned a National League Cy Young Award in 2022, taking a slight step back during his 2023 campaign before missing the entire 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
The 29-year-old struggled upon returning, owning an ERA of 8.47 over his first 11 starts of the year. While Alcantara went on to post a 2.47 ERA across his next four appearances, he's allowed 12 earned runs in two starts since.
On the season, he has a 7.01 ERA while averaging 7.0 strikeouts per nine innings.
A change of scenery and more time to recover could allow Alcantara to look like his former self, though.
He also has two more years on his contract, which includes a $21 million club option for the 2027 season.
Mitch Keller, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates
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If the Yankees are searching for a starter with a better track record this season, Mitch Keller could be an option.
Keller has posted a 3.64 ERA and 1.194 WHIP while averaging a career-low 2.2 walks per nine innings across 18 starts with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The 29-year-old has also remained relatively healthy as of late, making at least 29 starts in each of the past three seasons.
There are three years left on the five-year, $77 million extension that Keller signed with the Pirates in Feb. 2024. He'll earn $16.5 million in 2026, $18 million in 2027 and $20 million during the 2028 season.
The Yankees will have some competition if they decide to seriously pursue Keller, as the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets are reportedly among the teams interested in the righty.
Luis Severino, RHP, Athletics
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Luis Severino could be on the move during the first season of a hefty three-year, $67 million contract that he signed with the Athletics in Dec. 2024.
According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, "it may come as a surprise" if Severino is still with the organization beyond July 31.
If he's moved, a return to the team that he started his career with could be a possibility.
After his tenure with the Yankees, Severino operated as a key starter on a Mets squad that made a NL Championship Series appearance in 2024.
His first year with the Athletics has been off to a rough start.
The 31-year-old called out the team's home atmosphere at Sutter Health Park, the minor-league stadium in Sacramento that the Athletics are using this season.
Severino has allowed opposing batters to hit .300 against him at home compared to just .219 on the road. He also owns a 6.79 ERA in home games while posting a 3.04 ERA in road contests.
Returning to the Bronx could benefit Severino, but his contract might complicate a trade. He'll earn $20 million in 2026 and has a $22 million player option for the 2027 season.
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