Yankees Eye Twins’ $91M Ace Pablo López to Replace Injured Clarke Schmidt
New York, NY — The New York Yankees’ season took a significant hit last week when promising starter Clarke Schmidt was diagnosed with a torn UCL, effectively ending his 2025 campaign. With the club sitting atop the AL East but facing rotation instability, general manager Brian Cashman may be forced into action ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. The latest name emerging as a possible solution? Minnesota Twins right-hander Pablo López, a pitcher carrying a $91 million contract and a history of AL success.
The idea, initially floated in a speculative report by Newsweek, has gained traction in baseball circles as the Yankees begin canvassing the league for rotation upgrades. López, the Twins’ Opening Day starter in both 2023 and 2024, has had an up-and-down season in 2025 but remains a high-upside arm with postseason experience and multiple years of team control.
A Rotation in Flux
The Yankees have battled adversity on the mound all year. Gerrit Cole missed the first half of the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Luis Gil was placed on the injured list in late June with forearm tightness. Now Schmidt, who had stepped up admirably with a 3.32 ERA in 14 starts, is out indefinitely after undergoing Tommy John surgery himself.
“We’ve absorbed a lot,” manager Aaron Boone told reporters. “You can only dip into your depth so far.”
That depth is now razor-thin. The Yankees are relying on a patchwork rotation of Carlos Rodón, Nestor Cortes, spot starter Allan Winans, and minor-league call-up Cam Schlittler. There’s hope that Cole could return by August, but there’s no guarantee he’ll be in peak form for a playoff push.
With a World Series-caliber offense led by Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, the front office appears increasingly motivated to swing a deal to stabilize the rotation.
Why Pablo López Makes Sense
The 28-year-old López signed a 4-year, $73.5 million extension with the Twins in 2023 (which kicks in this season), locking him up through 2027. His total deal value, with incentives and previous earnings, approaches $91 million. That kind of control makes him attractive to a contender like the Yankees, who want more than just a short-term rental.
Statistically, López has shown both brilliance and volatility. In 2023, he struck out 234 batters over 194 innings with a 3.66 ERA, earning Cy Young consideration. However, his 2025 campaign has been rockier, with a 4.45 ERA through 18 starts.
Still, evaluators point to his elite stuff—particularly his changeup and fastball command—as reasons to bet on a second-half rebound.
“He has postseason experience and frontline ability,” one AL scout said. “If he’s available, he’d be one of the top arms on the market.”
Would Minnesota Actually Trade Him?
That’s the key question. The Twins currently hover near the .500 mark and have struggled to stay competitive in the AL Central, where the Guardians and Tigers have surged. Though Minnesota hasn’t officially declared itself a seller, injuries to key hitters and inconsistency in the bullpen may force a recalibration.
Trading López would not be a full-scale rebuild, but rather a retooling move—potentially using his value to acquire young talent while freeing up payroll.
If the Yankees were to pursue López, the asking price would be steep. Minnesota is unlikely to part with its ace without acquiring high-end prospects in return—possibly including Everson Pereira, Drew Thorpe, or Jasson Domínguez, depending on the deal structure.
Other Targets on the Radar
López isn’t the only pitcher the Yankees are eyeing. New York has been linked to:
Mitch Keller (Pirates): Signed through 2028, Keller has drawn significant interest from multiple teams. Pittsburgh’s willingness to move him remains unclear.
Seth Lugo (Royals): A veteran presence with a 2.65 ERA, Lugo could be a lower-cost option if the Yankees prioritize depth over upside.
Merrill Kelly (Diamondbacks): A consistent mid-rotation starter with playoff pedigree and a team-friendly contract.
Zac Gallen (Diamondbacks): Would be a blockbuster acquisition—but would come with a massive asking price.
Among those names, López may offer the best balance of availability, impact, and long-term value.
The Luxury Tax Angle
Any major move will also be influenced by the Yankees’ proximity to the highest tier of the luxury tax threshold. With Judge, Soto (in his walk year), Cole, and Rodón already commanding big dollars, adding a $91 million pitcher must be weighed carefully.
Still, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner signaled earlier this summer that financial concerns would not override championship ambitions.
“If we’re in a position to win, I expect us to act accordingly,” he told the New York Post. “It’s not about pinching pennies when you have a real shot.”
Will the Deal Happen?
There’s no guarantee. The Twins could rebound in July and decide to hold or buy. The Yankees could wait to see if Cole or Gil returns healthy. But with the trade deadline just weeks away and the rotation unraveling, urgency may push both teams toward a deal.
For New York, the goal is simple: keep the World Series window open, even as injuries threaten to slam it shut.
“If Pablo López is truly available,” an anonymous league executive told The Athletic, “the Yankees will be one of the first teams on the phone.”
Bottom Line: With Clarke Schmidt sidelined for the year, the Yankees are scrambling for answers. Pablo López represents one of the best options on the trade market—a proven starter with playoff upside and years of control. If Minnesota is willing to deal, the Bronx may be his next destination.
Would you like a visual breakdown of this potential trade or mock proposals for what the Yankees would need to give up?
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