Yankees: 3 Relievers That Could Serve as Closer With Aroldis Chapman Out

2. Clarke Schmidt

Yankees prospect Clarke Schmidt is so young we can’t even get a picture of him!

Yeah, this one’s off the cuff, but it’s fun. You saw Clarke Schmidt’s stuff when he faced batters at Yankee Stadium. If you didn’t, it’s time to open your eyes. The Yankees No. 2 overall prospect is filthy and if Boone wants to use him in 2020, look no further than giving him some quality innings in relief and then maybe throwing him in as the closer.

Schmidt could use the pressure-filled experience even though he’s a starter. Chances are Boone won’t be giving the ball every fifth day to a prospect, so the youngsters should be utilized in a manner in which they won’t be overworked and can get worthwhile experience. They shouldn’t be getting garbage innings at every turn.

Find a happy medium where Schmidt is getting reps while also managing to impress enough to be entrusted with the ninth inning here and there. The right-hander has four pitches he’s capable of throwing very well, and his slider is out of this world. Let him buckle some knees in the ninth against some of the Yankees’ inferior opponents. Why not?