Yankees 2018 Pre-Spring Training Prospect Ranking: 11-15
Brendan Kuty Matt Linder Now, it is time for the fourth installment of my Yankees Top 30 Prospect ranking, 11-15. Bobby McDuffie 15. Clarke Schmidt – SP Age: 21 -2017 Performance: Schmidt was drafted by the Yankees with the 16th overall pick in this year’s draft. He is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and did not pitch for the organization in 2017. -Strengths: Clarke’s fastball-slider combo was lethal before hurting his elbow. His heater runs in the mid-90s with heavy sinking action and he has the unique ability to vary the break on his slider. Schmidt can sweep it left-to-right or tighten it to achieve later, sharper break. Although his changeup is a distant third pitch, it showed signs of potential before he suffered the injury. Lastly, Clarke has been praised for his attack-mode mentality, work ethic and makeup. -Weaknesses/Concerns: There is only one place to begin… the surgery. When talki...