The New York Yankees’ starting rotation could be looking for some help after another injury. Clarke Schmidt will miss the rest of the season after he reportedly will need Tommy John surgery.

Schmidt had a 3.32 ERA in 14 starts. Last season, he had a 2.85 ERA in 15 starts. He had been a huge part of the rotation with Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil injured, but now the Yankees need to find a replacement. The trade deadline may not feature many options, but the Yankees should still be able to identify some players they can target.

Right now, the Yankees’ rotation is relying on Max Fried and Carlos Rodón at the top. Marcus Stroman, Will Warren and No. 10 prospect Cam Schlittler, who will make his debut soon, round out the group. Warren has been inconsistent, Stroman has struggled in his Yankees tenure and Schlittler has not proven himself. FanSided’s James Nolan suggested the Yankees trade for Mitch Keller of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

“Keller would be a great fit with the Yankees,” wrote Nolan. “He’d be New York’s number three, behind Fried and Rodon. Once Gil returns, Boone’s rotation would look strong. Warren and Stroman would battle out for the final spot in the rotation, or they could use a six-man rotation.”

Keller has three years left on his five-year, $77 million deal he signed in 2024. The Pirates are one of the few teams that may be locked in as sellers at the trade deadline.

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Keller has a 3.64 ERA in 18 starts. He was an All-Star in 2023 and has a 4.47 career ERA. He is not the best option, but he would be an upgrade for the Yankees and has proven to be a reliable option throughout his career. He has made at least 29 starts every season since 2022.

More MLB: Braves make Ronald Acuña Jr. trade decision

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