Yankees hint at smart Clarke Schmidt plan to settle Opening Day rotation debate

The New York Yankees entered 2025 spring training with overflowing rotation riches and co-aces in Gerrit Cole and Max Fried. While Carlos Carrasco wasn't exactly an afterthought, the assumption was that if he ever found his way into the starting rotation, something had gone very wrong.

Somehow, about a month after the Yankees' pitchers and catchers reported, that statement is both extremely accurate and lacking context. Something definitely went wrong. Several things, actually; Cole's year-long absence and Luis Gil's potential summer arrival have whittled the Yankees' depth down close to the breaking point. On the flip side, though, Carrasco — get your laughs in now — has actually been good.

The Yankees can't afford to lose him right now because of the other tragedies that have afflicted their roster, but they also shouldn't mess around and play roster games with someone who could potentially help rather than just babysit. Allan Winans can keep a seat warm. Carrasco might be able to do a little bit better. Even if he doesn't have much gas remaining in the tank, the Yankees should take advantage of the little bit that remains, opening their season with the vet on the roster so that he doesn't opt out and chase an opportunity elsewhere after 11 innings, 12 Ks, and a 2.45 spring ERA.

How will the Yankees accommodate Carrasco? Would they really demote spring star Will Warren just to keep the grizzled righty around? Well ... how about both? Even though Clarke Schmidt came out feeling strong after his bullpen session Monday, he still isn't built up for an early regular season debut. Schmidt believes he'll pitch Game 6 of the season, but it would probably be wiser to carry five non-Schmidts to start and allow the righty to slow play things.

Thankfully, that seems to be the Yankees' early plan.

Yankees' Opening Day rotation will likely feature Will Warren, Carlos Carrasco with Clarke Schmidt on Injured List

Opening Day starter Carlos Rodón-Max Fried-Marcus Stroman-Will Warren-Carlos Carrasco doesn't represent anyone's dream from a few weeks back, but carrying Carrasco would be smart asset management, regardless of Schmidt's health. If Schmidt plans to stay in Florida and work his way back past Opening Day anyhow, then bringing both Carrasco and Warren north makes all the sense in the world.

Heck, Winans has been on a few projected Opening Day rosters as a long man, too. Everybody might come to play.

The last thing the Yankees can afford to do right now is say no to viable arms, and slow-playing Schmidt (while keeping the second half in mind) will allow them to keep the roster optimized early. No complaints here.