Why it's time for New York Yankees to promote Clayton Beeter

In a year that has forced many New York Yankees fans to accept a less-than ideal present, it is time to illustrate reasons to be hopeful for the future.

Earlier this week, Everson Pereira was called up to the Bronx in hopes of sparking a stagnant lineup. The starting rotation should receive a similar boost in the form of Clayton Beeter.

Currently, Beeter is at Triple-A with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. He started the year with the Somerset Patriots at Double-A, but was promoted in June after an impressive start to his year, earning a spot in MLB's Futures Game on All-Star Weekend in Seattle.

All told, he’s compiled a 3.58 ERA this season thanks to the combination of his fastball, slider, and curveball.

Yankees should give minor-leaguer Clayton Beeter look in MLB rotation

The Yankees are currently past the point of no return in terms of the standings, and even if Beeter is not productive at the major league level, promoting him gives everyone involved a chance to see what he can improve upon as we approach the offseason.

It could be argued that, up until now, the Yankees’ resistance to playing individuals like Beeter is a case of them not wanting to “show their cards.” In other words, general manager Brian Cashman and Co. have not wanted to show potential trade partners what their prospects looked like in action.

Now that the trade deadline has come and gone, it is entirely appropriate to let Beeter take the mound in Pinstripes. You don’t have to hide your cards if you’re no longer in the game, after all. A month's worth of big-league data shouldn't scuttle an offseason trade.

From a basic standpoint, Beeter could aid both the team’s present and future. The Yankees’ starters have posted a 4.70 ERA this season due to a variety of factors. Allowing the organization’s No. 16 prospect to pitch towards the end of this season will give the club a chance to end what’s been a brutal campaign on a less sour note, and potentially see if he could be a part of the 2024 picture.

Is there a chance Beeter is a reliever long-term, especially after struggling in his Triple-A cameo this season (10 homers in 40 innings pitched, albeit with 50 strikeouts)? Absolutely. This could also be a fine opportunity for the Yankees to get that evaluation process started.

The latter issue has become all the more important over the past few weeks alone. With Nestor Cortes being shut down due to a strained left rotator cuff, and Luis Severino and Carlos Rodón both struggling to string together multiple quality outings, the rotation is in a state of flux. Severino will be gone to free agency at the end of the season.

Outside of the typically great Gerrit Cole and surprisingly effective Clarke Schmidt, this year’s rotation has been anything but well-rounded. Beeter could provide some insurance in the present while making the case that he should be on the next Opening Day roster.