Yankees' Cam Schlittler Emerging as Next Ace

The 25-year-old pitcher has impressed early in the 2026 season with his improved arsenal and poise on the mound.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 3:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Cam Schlittler, the New York Yankees' young pitcher, is making a strong case to be the team's next ace. After a standout performance in the 2025 Wild Card series against the Boston Red Sox, Schlittler has carried that momentum into the 2026 season, racking up 15 strikeouts over 11.2 innings in his first two starts while only surrendering three hits and no walks. With the Yankees' pitching staff facing questions due to injuries and volatility, Schlittler has solidified his spot in the rotation and is showing signs of further development, including increased velocity and movement on his cutter and sinker.

Why it matters

Schlittler's emergence is crucial for the Yankees, who are dealing with uncertainty in their pitching staff. As veterans Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon age and deal with injuries, Schlittler represents the future of the Yankees' rotation. His ability to mix his pitches and maintain his composure on the mound, even in high-pressure playoff situations, suggests he has the potential to become an ace for the team.

The details

Schlittler's strong start to the 2026 season follows an impressive spring training, where he struck out 11 batters in 9.2 innings while only surrendering one run on six hits and two walks. In his first two starts, he's been relying more on his cutter and sinker, adding velocity and movement to those pitches. His curveball, which has an 8-12 inch drop, serves as his true offspeed pitch and complements his power fastball and improved secondary offerings.

  • Schlittler struck out 11 batters in 9.2 innings during spring training.
  • In his first two starts of the 2026 season, Schlittler has racked up 15 strikeouts over 11.2 innings.

The players

Cam Schlittler

A 25-year-old pitcher for the New York Yankees who is emerging as the team's next ace, with an improved arsenal and strong poise on the mound.

Gerrit Cole

The 35-year-old Yankees pitcher who is dealing with injuries and questions about the team's pitching staff.

Carlos Rodon

The 33-year-old Yankees pitcher who is also dealing with injuries and questions about the team's pitching staff.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's obviously a mix of both [keeping my emotions under control and being a pro long enough]. I got a really good sleep last night and I wasn't too worried about it. I woke up and I was locked in, so I exactly knew what I needed to do to get out there, especially against my hometown team.”

— Cam Schlittler

“Keep hating on us”

— Cam Schlittler

What’s next

If Schlittler continues to refine his curveball and maintain his improved velocity and movement on his cutter and sinker, he could emerge as a Cy Young candidate for the Yankees in 2026.

The takeaway

Cam Schlittler's early-season dominance and development of his pitch arsenal have positioned him to become the next ace of the Yankees' pitching staff, providing much-needed stability and upside for a team facing questions about its veteran starters.