Yankees' Cam Schlittler Emerges as Top Young Pitcher

Dominant outing against Mariners raises comparisons to Luis Severino

Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:23am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Cam Schlittler, the Yankees' 7th-round pick in 2022, has emerged as the team's top young pitching prospect after a dominant start against the Mariners. The 24-year-old right-hander threw 6.1 scoreless innings, striking out 7 and walking none, leading to comparisons to former Yankees ace Luis Severino. Schlittler's overpowering stuff, including a 98.2 mph fastball, has the Yankees excited about his potential as their next homegrown star pitcher.

Why it matters

The Yankees have had success developing young pitchers under pitching coach Matt Blake and director of pitching Sam Briend, with Luis Gil and Will Warren among their recent success stories. Schlittler's emergence could continue that trend, providing the team with a potential ace-caliber starter to lead their rotation for years to come.

The details

In his second start of the season, Schlittler dominated the Mariners, retiring the last 15 batters he faced. He leaned heavily on his four-seam fastball, which topped out at 98.2 mph, as well as his two-seamer/sinker and cutter. Out of 18 swings against his fastball, the Mariners whiffed 11 times (61%). Schlittler threw just 79 pitches, as he continues to build up his pitch count after a late start to spring training.

  • Schlittler made his first start of the season on March 30, throwing 5.1 scoreless innings.
  • On April 1, Schlittler threw 6.1 scoreless innings against the Mariners, striking out 7 and walking none.

The players

Cam Schlittler

A 24-year-old right-handed pitcher who was the Yankees' 7th-round draft pick in 2022. He has emerged as the team's top young pitching prospect after two dominant early-season starts.

Luis Severino

A former Yankees ace who was a dynamo when he first joined the team in 2015, but injuries and ineffectiveness, particularly in 2023, drove him out of New York.

Aaron Boone

The Yankees' manager, who has praised Schlittler's dominant stuff and poise, saying the team couldn't have predicted his success this early.

Ben Rice

The Yankees' first baseman, who had two hits including a home run in the team's win over the Mariners.

Giancarlo Stanton

The Yankees' slugger, who has been on a tear to start the season, hitting .500 with a home run through the first five games.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Exciting to see how dominant his stuff is, and just filling up the strike zone.”

— Aaron Boone, Manager

“Clearly, he's very difficult to hit.”

— Ben Rice, First Baseman

“Felt pretty strong with the game plan that I had, just attacking those guys with those three pitches.”

— Cam Schlittler

What’s next

The Yankees will monitor Schlittler's progress as he continues to build up his pitch count and establish himself as a rotation fixture. The team is also hopeful that Carlos Rodón, who is rehabbing from offseason elbow surgery, will soon be ready to join the rotation and provide another boost.

The takeaway

Cam Schlittler's dominant start has the Yankees excited about his potential as their next homegrown star pitcher, drawing comparisons to former ace Luis Severino. If Schlittler can maintain this level of performance, he could solidify the front of the Yankees' rotation for years to come.