Yankees Pitcher Cam Schlittler Draws Praise Ahead of 2026 Season

MLB Network analysts highlight the 25-year-old's importance to the Yankees' starting rotation.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler has drawn strong praise from MLB Network analysts ahead of the 2026 season. With several key starters projected to begin the year on the injured list, the 25-year-old right-hander is seen as a crucial piece of the Yankees' rotation. Schlittler made his MLB debut in 2025, finishing 4-3 with a 2.96 ERA, and impressed with a dominant postseason performance. The analysts emphasized his poise under pressure and the organization's belief that he is ready for a larger workload this season.

Why it matters

The Yankees' starting rotation faces significant uncertainty heading into 2026, with several key starters expected to miss time due to injuries. Schlittler's development and performance could be pivotal in shaping the team's fortunes this season, as the organization looks to him to provide much-needed stability on the mound.

The details

Schlittler, a 25-year-old right-hander, made his MLB debut in 2025 and finished 4-3 with a 2.96 ERA across 73 innings. He elevated expectations with a dominant postseason performance, including eight scoreless innings in a winner-take-all game that showcased his poise under pressure. With Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Clarke Schmidt projected to open the season on the injured list, the Yankees' starting rotation leans heavily on Schlittler's health and continued development.

  • Schlittler made his MLB debut in 2025.
  • Schlittler recently managed mid-back inflammation but has since resumed bullpen sessions in Tampa.

The players

Cam Schlittler

A 25-year-old right-handed pitcher for the New York Yankees who made his MLB debut in 2025 and is expected to play a key role in the team's starting rotation in 2026.

Gerrit Cole

A veteran starting pitcher for the New York Yankees who is projected to start the 2026 season on the injured list.

Carlos Rodon

A starting pitcher for the New York Yankees who is projected to start the 2026 season on the injured list.

Clarke Schmidt

A starting pitcher for the New York Yankees who is projected to start the 2026 season on the injured list.

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What they’re saying

“Cam Schlittler came away from his bullpen session the other day feeling good. No issues with mid-back. Then he'll throw one more pen then likely start facing hitters.”

— Dan Plesac, MLB Network Analyst (MLB Network)

“I think he's the key to the Yankees' fortunes in '26. He gave us a glimpse of what he could be, right? The Yankees have been high on this guy all along. It seemed like the bigger the game, the more important it was, the better he pitched.”

— Adnan Virk, MLB Network Analyst (MLB Network)

What’s next

Schlittler will throw one more bullpen session before likely starting to face hitters in spring training as he prepares for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Cam Schlittler's development and performance will be crucial for the Yankees in 2026, as the team faces significant uncertainty in its starting rotation due to injuries. The national praise and the organization's belief in his abilities suggest he is ready to take on a larger workload and potentially shape the trajectory of the Yankees' season.