Yankees Expected to Part Ways With $16 Million Veteran Trio

The New York Yankees are expected to non-tender pitchers Clarke Schmidt, Fernando Cruz, and Luis Gil this offseason according to The Athletic's Chris Kirschner. General manager Brian Cashman faces roster adjustments after an early postseason exit and must create space for necessary pitching staff upgrades. All three pitchers are eligible for arbitration, and parting ways with the trio would potentially save the Yankees an estimated $16 million in projected salary commitments.

Schmidt made only one appearance in 2026 due to injuries and is projected to earn $9 million in arbitration. Cruz, who turns 37 in March, missed late season time with an elbow injury, while Gil struggled with command and limited appearances. Christopher Moore notes that the projected savings could be redirected toward high-profile bullpen targets in free agency such as reliever Adrian Morejon.