3 biggest Yankees winners and 3 biggest losers at the Memorial Day checkpoint

Yankees Loser: Clarke Schmidt's Chance

Former Yankees top prospect Clarke Schmidt's days as a starter aren't done. He's not at the end of his rope.

But ... since Schmidt emerged in 2020 spring training, before the world shut down, as some sort of weapon, appearing ready to live up to his first-round pedigree, he's been waiting for a chance to crack a rotation that seemed more willing to trade assets for stars like Frankie Montas rather than let him cook. His 2022 campaign in the bullpen was excellent; his start at Citi Field was not.

Due to untimely Carlos Rodón/Luis Severino/Montas injuries this winter and spring, though, Schmidt had a golden opportunity this year to prove himself to be essential. With Severino and Montas reaching free agency next winter, he could turn himself into a long-term piece if he could just figure out the cutter and start dismissing left-handers. Hell, due to the injury deluge, he began 2023 as the No. 2 starter against the Giants.

The cutter didn't work. In fact, it might've thrown the rest of his arsenal off and altered his spin. While he's seen better days recently, the ERA remains in the mid-5.00s. Schmidt might be a starter for the Yankees moving forward, but he didn't cement it, given a massive opportunity to do so.