Clarke Schmidt, once a promising star for the New York Yankees, is now facing Tommy John surgery, drastically impacting the team's already depleted rotation. With Gerrit Cole already out for the season, the Yankees are scrambling to maintain their competitiveness. Ryan Yarbrough is sidelined as well, leaving them with few viable options, with Allan Winans struggling and Carlos Carrasco performing poorly. The Yankees are expected to look at trade options to bolster their pitching staff, with potential targets including Sandy Alcantara, Seth Lugo, and Mitch Keller, all of whom could provide the Yankees with the stability they desperately need.

The New York Yankees have extended manager Aaron Boone's contract through 2027 after a commendable World Series run in 2024. However, the team is currently facing a turbulent period, having lost five consecutive games, which is their second slump in just over three weeks. The Yankees started the season strong, leading the AL East after a 42-25 record but have since faltered, dropping to a 48-40 overall record. With unrest among fans regarding Boone's ability to lead the team to a championship, calls for his dismissal have intensified, reflecting the high expectations tied to managing one of MLB's most storied franchises.

Marcus Stroman of the New York Yankees acknowledged the remarkable talent of Juan Soto after facing him in a recent game. Soto showcased his skills by hitting a two-run homer, along with a double and single, contributing significantly to the Mets' comeback victory over the Yankees. The four-time All-Star has been in incredible form, posting a .337 batting average and a 1.202 OPS since June 1, which reflects his elite status in the league.

Despite the Mets maintaining a mediocre record of 15-16 during this stretch, Soto's individual performance remains outstanding. His overall season stats include a .266 batting average and a league-leading 3.7 bWAR among Mets players. Stroman's comments highlight the competitive nature of the game, noting that facing Soto is akin to a chess match, where strategy is paramount. Soto's skillset and recent performance prove why he commanded such a lucrative contract in the offseason.

The New York Yankees faced a significant setback with news that starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt may require Tommy John surgery, jeopardizing his 2025 and most of 2026 seasons. This development amplifies the Yankees' urgent need for reliable starting pitching, leading to trade speculation ahead of the deadline. Notably, Mitch Keller of the Pittsburgh Pirates is identified as a potential target, with proposals suggesting a trade that would include infielder Oswald Peraza and pitching prospect Chase Hampton in exchange for Keller and utility player Isiah Kiner-Falefa.

Keller’s 3.64 ERA and recent struggles do not reflect his potential, as he previously established himself as a durable starter, throwing over 159 innings in each of the last three seasons. Such a trade could provide the Yankees with both immediate and long-term rotation stability, especially given Keller's contract extending through 2028. Additionally, Kiner-Falefa’s versatility could enhance the Yankees' lineup, making this trade a productive option amidst their pitching crisis.

The New York Yankees adjusted their infield for Saturday's game against the Mets, starting Cody Bellinger at first base instead of returning Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second. Chisholm, who prefers playing second base, has struggled defensively at third, leading to calls for a shift. Manager Aaron Boone hinted at the possibility but ultimately decided on a different approach. DJ LeMahieu will continue at second base, despite expressing willingness to play where needed. The Yankees' strategy appears to focus on finding a second baseman via trade while keeping Chisholm at third. Meanwhile, rookie Jasson Domínguez, after a stellar performance, was dropped in the batting order, raising eyebrows about lineup decisions as Anthony Volpe's struggle continues.