Clarke Schmidt – New York Yankees Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Clarke Schmidt has carved out a solid role with the New York Yankees since his MLB debut in 2020. Born in Acworth, Georgia, on February 20, 1996, Schmidt joined the Yankees as a first-round pick (16th overall) in 2017 after his college baseball years at South Carolina.

Clarke Schmidt is currently playing under a one-year, $3,600,000 contract with the New York Yankees, which is quite a jump from his $740,475 salary in 2023. It’s a pretty clear sign the organization believes in what he brings to the mound and wants to see how much more he can grow.

Even though he’s still in the early stages of his pro career, Schmidt has already pulled together an estimated net worth of about $3,861,860. He’s steadily gotten better each season, working through some early injuries and becoming a bigger piece of the Yankees’ pitching plans. If he keeps trending up, bigger contracts could be on the horizon.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Clarke Schmidt’s story starts in Georgia, winding through high school and college ball. It’s a mix of natural ability, family support, and a good bit of grit that eventually got him to the Majors.

Background and Family

Clarke Douglas Schmidt was born on February 20, 1996, in Acworth, Georgia. Baseball runs in the Schmidt family. His dad, Dwight Schmidt, played college baseball at Clemson, and that love for the game rubbed off on Clarke from the start.

His older brother, Clate Schmidt, also went the baseball route and pitched at Clemson. Clate even battled through Hodgkin’s lymphoma during college, which says a lot about the family’s resilience.

Growing up in a baseball household, Clarke got early exposure to the game and plenty of advice as he picked up the finer points of pitching.

High School Years

Schmidt attended Allatoona High School in Acworth, Georgia, and quickly stood out as a pitcher. He showed strong command and a solid mix of pitches, which put him on the radar for both college scouts and pro teams.

As a senior, he put up numbers that got plenty of attention. His fastball kept ticking up, eventually landing in the low-90s.

Even though he got drafted out of high school in the 2014 MLB Draft, Schmidt decided to head to college instead. Looking back, that choice was probably key for his growth as both a pitcher and a person.

College Baseball Journey

Schmidt took his arm to the University of South Carolina, joining the Gamecocks. His freshman year was a learning curve, but he started to show real promise in the tough SEC.

By his junior year, Schmidt became the ace for the Gamecocks and one of the top college arms in the country. He earned All-SEC honors and was on track for a high draft pick.

But then, in April 2017, he needed Tommy John surgery. Even with that setback, the New York Yankees picked him in the first round—16th overall—in the 2017 draft, betting on his talent and his ability to bounce back.

Professional Career Overview

Clarke Schmidt’s climb to the majors hasn’t been easy. He’s fought through injuries and kept developing as a pitcher. From draft day to becoming a regular in the Yankees rotation, his story is about sticking with it.

MLB Draft and Signing

The New York Yankees grabbed Clarke Schmidt with the 16th pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, even though he was recovering from Tommy John surgery at the time. That move really showed how much they believed in his upside.

After a strong college career, Schmidt signed a $2.18 million bonus with the Yankees. Despite the health questions, his draft spot showed teams saw him as a legit starting pitcher with a good mix of pitches.

The Yankees’ decision to draft him during rehab was a long-term play. They saw a future rotation piece worth the wait.

Minor League Development

Schmidt started his minor league journey in 2018 after getting through Tommy John rehab. He began in rookie ball and worked his way up, showing off his four-pitch mix: sinker, slider, curve, and changeup.

By 2019, he reached Double-A Trenton, put up solid stats, and became one of the Yankees’ top pitching prospects. The team took it slow, carefully managing his innings after surgery.

The COVID-shortened 2020 season sped things up. With no minor league games, Schmidt made his MLB debut on September 4, 2020, against the Orioles. That jump from the minors to the majors said a lot about how much faith the Yankees had in him.

He bounced between Triple-A and the Yankees bullpen in 2021 and 2022, then started to lock down a rotation spot by 2023.

Major League Breakthrough

Clarke Schmidt finally reached the big leagues with the Yankees in 2020. He’s grown into a starting pitcher with a knack for strikeouts, making himself a real asset in the rotation.

Debut with the New York Yankees

Schmidt made his MLB debut on September 4, 2020, for the New York Yankees. At 24, he stepped onto the mound after working through the Yankees’ system. That debut came in the weird, shortened 2020 season—not exactly an easy time for rookies.

He showed flashes of his potential, even with the nerves that come with a first big-league game. After all the rehab and minor league innings, getting to that point was a big deal.

His early outings gave Yankees fans a look at why he’d been so highly ranked as a prospect. It was a starting point for what’s turned into a bigger role over time.

Starting Rotation and Key Performances

Schmidt’s move into the Yankees’ starting rotation happened gradually. By 2023, he was getting regular starts alongside guys like Gerrit Cole, Nestor Cortes, and Carlos Rodón.

With a growing arsenal—especially that breaking ball—Schmidt found his place. He had some standout games against division rivals, proving he could handle the pressure of the AL East.

His 2023 season saw him take on more innings and show more durability, which the Yankees really needed behind ace Gerrit Cole.

Even though his 2023 salary was $740,475, his value to the team was clearly higher as he became a steady starter.

Strikeouts and Strikeout Rate

Schmidt’s ability to rack up strikeouts has become a big part of his game. Both analysts and fans have noticed how he’s turned into a power pitcher for the Yankees.

His slider and curveball, in particular, have helped him miss bats. Those pitches are now key tools against hitters on both sides of the plate.

The numbers back it up—his K/9 (strikeouts per nine innings) keeps climbing as he settles in as a big leaguer.

Compared to other Yankees pitchers, Schmidt’s strikeout stuff puts him right up there with the more exciting young arms in the organization.

Notable Yankees Teammates

During his time in the majors, Schmidt has shared the clubhouse with some big names. Aaron Judge, the Yankees’ captain, has been the offensive leader while Schmidt’s been in pinstripes.

The 2024 season brought in new faces like Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo, plus Marcus Stroman on the pitching side. Suddenly, the Yankees have one of the most stacked rosters in baseball, and Schmidt is right in the mix.

Veteran pitchers—especially Gerrit Cole—have been important mentors for Schmidt. Learning from those guys has sped up his growth as a big leaguer.

Being in a clubhouse with experienced catchers and a smart analytics team has given Schmidt plenty of ways to keep improving on the mound.

Clarke Schmidt’s Injury History

Injuries have played a big role in Schmidt’s career, especially early on. But he’s shown a lot of grit coming back each time.

Tommy John Surgery

Schmidt’s first major setback came in 2017 while pitching at South Carolina. He needed Tommy John surgery to fix a torn UCL in his elbow. Even with that, the Yankees still picked him 16th overall in the draft.

Getting hurt right before the draft was tough timing, but the Yankees still gambled on his talent.

Schmidt put in the work during rehab, staying focused and sticking to the recovery plan that’s pretty standard for pitchers after UCL surgery.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

After surgery, Schmidt faced a long 12–18 month rehab. He worked through throwing programs, strength training, and mechanics tweaks to avoid another injury.

He hit another speed bump in 2020 with a flexor strain in his right arm. Thankfully, it didn’t require surgery, but it did slow him down for a bit.

By 2021, Schmidt had pushed through those challenges and debuted in the majors. He’s still careful about managing arm fatigue and soreness, which is pretty normal for pitchers post-Tommy John. He’s learned how to pace himself and handle a bigger workload.

The Yankees’ medical staff has kept a close eye on him, using pitch counts and inning limits to protect his arm. That careful approach has helped Schmidt settle into a full-time rotation role while keeping injuries at bay.

Season Highlights and Key Statistics

Clarke Schmidt has become a valuable pitcher for the Yankees, showing steady progress in his numbers. He’s gotten better at limiting home runs and keeping his walk rate in check.

ERA and Performance Metrics

Schmidt’s growth as a pitcher really shows in his stats. He’s kept his ERA around the 3.50 mark during his best stretches, which puts him in a good spot within the Yankees’ staff.

He’s sharpened his approach on the mound, and his strikeout rate has become a real asset. When things get tough, he often finds a way out.

Over time, Schmidt’s command of his breaking pitches has only improved, making him tough on both righties and lefties.

The South Carolina product has also started to shine in high-pressure moments, boosting his value whether he’s in the bullpen or the rotation.

Home Runs and Walk Rate

Schmidt’s really made progress keeping the ball in the yard, which, let’s be honest, is a must for any pitcher trying to survive at Yankee Stadium. He’s learned how to avoid giving up those cheap home runs, and that’s played a big role in his growth as a dependable arm for the Yankees.

He’s also started to walk fewer batters as he’s gotten more comfortable in the majors. By cutting down on free passes, Schmidt has dodged those backbreaking multi-run homers that can flip a game in an instant.

Check out some of his key stats:

• He keeps a steady groundball rate.
• He limits hard contact on fly balls.
• He’s trimmed his walk rate, especially when the pressure’s on.

The New York Yankees pitcher keeps hitters guessing with his pitch mix, and that’s let him avoid giving up too many extra-base hits while pitching deeper into games.

Moving forward under his $3.6 million contract, Schmidt’s knack for limiting homers and keeping his walk rate reasonable will be a big part of whether he sticks as a long-term piece for the Yankees.

Role on the Yankees and Roster Impact

Clarke Schmidt has turned into a key piece of the Yankees’ pitching staff. He’s bounced between roles depending on what the team needs, and you can see the steady progress in both his command and pitch selection.

Impact in the Starting Rotation

Schmidt has grown into a solid option for the Yankees’ rotation. He worked his way up from the minors, made some spot starts, and eventually earned a more regular spot. With a four-pitch mix—sinker, cutter, curveball, and changeup—he’s got options for just about any hitter.

In 2023, Schmidt took the ball for a career-high 32 starts. That’s a testament to his durability and his focus on getting better. He’s especially good at generating ground balls, which helps him get out of trouble and limit big innings at hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium.

The Yankees used their first-round pick in 2017 (16th overall) on Schmidt, and it’s finally paying off. He’s had some tough breaks—Tommy John surgery, for one—but he’s become an important part of the rotation’s depth.

Bullpen Contributions

When Schmidt isn’t starting, he’s chipped in with some valuable bullpen work for the Yankees. His flexibility is a real asset—he can handle long relief or step into high-leverage spots when things get dicey.

Manager Aaron Boone has more options with Schmidt able to eat multiple innings out of the bullpen. That ability to switch between starting and relieving just makes him more valuable when the team puts together its roster.

Out of the pen, Schmidt leans into his best stuff:

• He attacks hitters with a more aggressive approach.
• His velocity ticks up in shorter outings.
• He adapts quickly to whatever the game throws at him.

After coming back from injury in 2024, Schmidt started in the bullpen before moving back to the rotation—just another example of how he can adapt to whatever the Yankees need.

Yankee Stadium Performance

Pitching at Yankee Stadium isn’t easy, especially with that short porch in right field staring you down. Schmidt has figured out some ways to deal with it.

He leans on his ground ball tendencies, which is huge in the Bronx where fly balls can turn into home runs fast. His sinker really comes into play at home, helping him keep the ball on the ground and out of the seats.

If you look at his home and road splits, you’ll see he’s worked to get comfortable pitching in New York:

Location	ERA	HR/9	Ground Ball %
Home	4.32	1.2	47.8%
Away	3.98	0.9	45.3%

The Yankees’ infielders benefit from all those grounders, and the team sets up the defense to match Schmidt’s style. That teamwork has helped him handle the unique challenges of pitching at Yankee Stadium.

Contract and Salary Details

Clarke Schmidt’s financial story with the Yankees shows just how much he’s grown in value. He’s earning more these days, and it’s a direct result of his performance on the mound.

Initial MLB Contract

The Yankees picked Schmidt in the first round (16th overall) of the 2017 MLB Draft. Even though he was coming off Tommy John surgery, they signed him, betting on his future.

He climbed through the minors on a rookie contract, and when he debuted on September 4, 2020, Schmidt began making the MLB minimum salary.

His first big league deal followed the standard rookie setup, with the Yankees holding team control for several years before he could hit arbitration.

Salary Progression with the Yankees

Schmidt’s paychecks have grown as he’s proven himself. He made about the league minimum in 2023, but his solid season earned him a nice bump.

In January 2024, Schmidt avoided arbitration by signing a one-year, $3.6 million deal with the Yankees for 2024—a pretty big jump from what he made before.

His current salary is listed at $740,475, but contract details can vary a bit depending on where you look. His estimated net worth sits around $3,861,860.

The Yankees haven’t locked him up long-term yet, so it’s not clear where he’ll be after his arbitration years. If he keeps improving as a starter, his value—and his earnings—should keep climbing.

Net Worth and Endorsements

Clarke Schmidt has built up some solid financial value during his time with the Yankees, and he’s started to dip his toes into the world of endorsements, though he’s not exactly everywhere you look.

Estimated Net Worth

Schmidt’s estimated net worth is about $3.86 million. That’s almost all from his baseball contracts since the Yankees drafted him in 2017.

He got a big boost to his bank account with that $3.6 million contract for the 2024 season, way up from his previous $740,475 salary.

If he keeps trending up in the Yankees’ rotation, his net worth will probably jump again. Arbitration and maybe a future long-term deal could mean a much bigger payday down the line.

Endorsement Deals

Schmidt isn’t exactly a household name in commercials just yet. He’s mostly focused on his game, not chasing every endorsement out there.

He’s got a few deals with baseball equipment brands for gloves and gear, but those are pretty minor compared to his MLB paychecks.

In the offseason, Schmidt sometimes shows up at community events and baseball camps, maybe picking up a small sponsorship here or there. It’s good for his brand and lets him connect with fans, but nothing splashy.

If he keeps improving and gets more national attention, bigger endorsement deals could be in his future. For now, though, he’s all about the baseball.

Notable Games and Achievements

Clarke Schmidt has carved out some memorable moments in Yankees history, especially in big games and playoff spots. He’s shown off his pitch mix and kept his cool when the pressure’s on.

World Series and Playoff Appearances

Schmidt first got a taste of the playoffs in 2022, coming out of the bullpen against the Cleveland Guardians in the ALDS. He threw a big scoreless inning in Game 5, helping the Yankees move on to face Houston in the ALCS.

He faced the Cleveland Guardians again in the 2023 playoffs, this time showing off better command with his sinker and cutter. The Yankees didn’t make the World Series, but that experience was valuable for Schmidt’s growth.

During a September 2023 playoff push, he blanked the Arizona Diamondbacks for six innings, outdueling Zac Gallen and giving the Yankees a crucial win.

Games Against Major Opponents

Schmidt has had some standout performances against division rivals. In a Subway Series game against the Mets in 2023, he fanned eight over six innings and got some love from both dugouts for his breaking stuff.

He also shined against the Phillies in June 2023, outpitching Aaron Nola with seven strikeouts and just one earned run over 5.2 innings.

Against the Braves, Schmidt went toe-to-toe with Max Fried in August 2023, holding Atlanta’s lineup to two runs in six innings while piling up nine punchouts.

And in a 2023 interleague matchup with the Dodgers, Schmidt faced Shohei Ohtani and held him hitless, striking him out twice in three at-bats.

Trade and Free Agency Outlook

Clarke Schmidt’s future with the Yankees? It’s honestly a bit up in the air, with trade rumors swirling and his contract status making him both valuable to New York and interesting to other teams.

Trade Rumors and Speculation

The Yankees have popped up in blockbuster trade rumors since Schmidt came back from injury. It wouldn’t be shocking if they considered using him as a trade chip to chase another top starter.

Schmidt’s added new pitches lately, especially his cutter and sweeper combo, and that’s raised his stock on the trade market. His salary is pretty team-friendly too, so he’s appealing to teams looking for affordable pitching.

Teams needing rotation depth often check in on Schmidt at the trade deadline. The fact that he can start or relieve just makes him more attractive.

Whether the Yankees move Schmidt probably depends on how much pitching depth they have at the deadline.

Projected Free Agency Timeline

Schmidt’s contract runs through the 2025 season for $3.6 million, which honestly feels like a bargain for what he brings. He’s arbitration-eligible through 2026, so he won’t hit free agency until after the 2028 season.

Because Schmidt has Super Two status, he gets to earn more in arbitration than most players before free agency. That bumps up his financial security but still gives the Yankees some cost control.

If Schmidt keeps developing as a starter, his arbitration numbers probably jump quite a bit. Right now, he’s making $3.6 million a year, but with solid outings, that salary could easily double—or maybe even triple—in future arbitration.

Schmidt would reach free agency at age 32. That’s not exactly old for a pitcher, so if he stays healthy and keeps performing, he should have a real shot at landing a solid multi-year deal.