That marvelous 1978 season by Ron Guidry is the Yankees’ gold standard.
In his second year as a starter, Guidry pitched to a sub-2.00 ERA and became the youngest Yankee to capture the AL Cy Young Award.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
And those Guidry starts at Yankee Stadium became appointment viewing, creating an electric atmosphere with his dazzling arsenal of swing-and-miss stuff.
Cam Schlittler performed off a similar script in 2026.
In his sophomore season in the Yankees’ rotation, Schlittler fashioned a 1.95 ERA across 33 starts and embraced the role of an ace at age 25.
Now, Schlittler is the youngest Yankee to earn a Cy Young Award, with the Nov. 11 announcement of the balloting by 30 members of the Baseball Writers’ Association. He won the award unanimously.
“He’s become an ace in every facet,” manager Aaron Boone had said after watching “one of the really outstanding seasons by a Yankees pitcher.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
“And that’s saying a lot.”
1 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Mar 27, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) throws a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
(Darren Yamashita, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Mar 27, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) throws a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
(Darren Yamashita, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Mar 27, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) during the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
(Darren Yamashita, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Apr 1, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) in the dugout after being pulled from the game during the seventh inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
(Steven Bisig, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Apr 1, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) in the dugout after being pulled from the game during the seventh inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
(Steven Bisig, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
May 4, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) reacts during the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
(Vincent Carchietta, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
May 9, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
(Michael McLoone, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
May 15, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; A view of the socks worn by New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) during the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
(Vincent Carchietta, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
May 15, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) delivers a pitch during the fourth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
(Vincent Carchietta, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
May 26, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
(Peter Aiken, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Jun 2, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) delivers a pitch during the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
(Vincent Carchietta, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Jun 19, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
(Vincent Carchietta, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Jun 19, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) reacts after recording a strike out during the fourth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
(Vincent Carchietta, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Jun 25, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) walks to the bullpen before the start of the game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
(David Butler II, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Jun 25, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) throws a pitch against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
(David Butler II, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Jun 30, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) reacts during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
(Brad Penner, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
16 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Jul 6, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
(Jonathan Dyer, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
17 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Jul 10, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) throws to the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images
(Brad Mills, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
18 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Jul 14, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) during the All-Star Red Carpet Show at Independence Mall. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
(Brad Penner, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
19 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Jul 19, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the second inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
(Brad Penner, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
20 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Jul 19, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) follows through on a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fourth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
(Brad Penner, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
21 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Jul 24, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) throws a pitch during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
(Bill Streicher, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
22 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Cam Schlittler of the New York Yankees reacts while pitching against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the sixth inning at Chase Field on September 19, 2026 in Phoenix.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
23 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Sep 13, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) walks off the mound after retiring the side in the fifth inning against the New York Mets at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
(Wendell Cruz, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
24 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Sep 8, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) pitches against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
(Vincent Carchietta, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
25 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Aug 28, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) reacts after exiting the game against the Boston Red Sox during the sixth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-Imagn Images
(Tom Horak, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
26 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) walks towards the dugout after being releived against the Toronto Blue Jays during the sixth inning at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario.
(Nick Turchiaro, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
27 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Sep 24, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) reacts during the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
(Brad Penner, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
28 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Sep 24, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
(Brad Penner, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
29 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 29: Cam Schlittler #31 of the New York Yankees throws a pitch against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium on September 29, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776567875 ORIG FILE ID: 2297799788
(Al Bello, Getty Images)
30 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 29: Cam Schlittler #31 of the New York Yankees celebrates as he walks back to the dugout after closing out the top of the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium on September 29, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776567875 ORIG FILE ID: 2297809644
(Caleb Bowlin, Getty Images)
31 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Sep 29, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) reacts in the during the third inning against the Boston Red Sox during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
(Brad Penner, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
32 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Sep 29, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone relieves pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) during the seventh inning against the Boston Red Sox during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
(Brad Penner, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
33 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Sep 29, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) reacts after the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox in game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
(Brad Penner, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
34 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) looks on during batting practice prior to game one of the ALDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.
(Kim Klement Neitzel, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
35 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Oct 5, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays in game two of the ALDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
(Kim Klement Neitzel, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
36 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Oct 5, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) looks on before the start of the game against the Tampa Bay Rays in game two of the ALDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
(Kim Klement Neitzel, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
37 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Oct 5, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays in game two of the ALDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
(Kim Klement Neitzel, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
38 / 38
Cam Schlittler, Yankees’ Cy Young candidate, 2026 season in photos
Oct 5, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning in game two of the ALDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
(Kim Klement Neitzel, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Cam Schlittler’s memorable 2026 season
Gerrit Cole had been the most recent Yankees’ Cy Young Award winner, as a unanimous choice in 2023.
In 2026, Schlittler posted the lowest ERA of any Yankees starter since Guidry’s 1.74 during that incredible ’78 season.
That year ultimately ended with a second straight Yankees world championship.
It’s been 17 years since the Yanks’ last title, and despite Schlittler’s brilliance, the team hasn’t made it past the AL Division Series in his two pinstriped seasons.
About an hour into the Yankees’ offseason, Schlittler gave a blunt assessment of their season.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
“The expectation is to be able to win a championship,” Schlittler said after the Yankees were swept by the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS.
He’d just completed a standout 2026, including 239 strikeouts and two-or-fewer runs allowed in 25 starts – a year that was certain to earn him award recognition in November.
But that wasn’t much consolation after an early October exit.
“I think everyone in this locker room can contribute to (a title),” Schlittler said. “We just didn’t fulfill that or play to that expectation as a group.”
Why Cam Schlittler thrives away from Yankee Stadium
Oct 5, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning in game two of the ALDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Schlittler’s accountability wasn’t surprising; he’s not given to reciting boilerplate answers on any topic and he’s unafraid about agitating the waters now and then.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
He also derives some added incentive from outside sources, whether it’s something exaggerated on social media or in the stands.
“I find ways to use that to my advantage,”Schlittler said this year. “I think I’m good at keeping receipts.”
Maybe that partially explains Schlittler’s stunning 1.16 ERA and 8-2 record in 17 road starts during the regular season (he was 6-4, 2.98 in 17 Bronx starts).
“He just believes he’s going to get every single hitter out,” catcher Austin Wells said. “And as a hitter, you feel that, too.”
Finding a Yankees gem in Red Sox country
Oct 5, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays in game two of the ALDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
During another AL Wild Card Series matchup against Boston, it wasn’t lost – on either Red Sox Nation or Yankees Universe – that the Yanks’ two biggest contributors in 2026 were unsung draft picks from New England.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
That would be Ben Rice (12th round, 2021, Dartmouth) from Cohasset, Massachusetts, and Schlittler (7th round, 2022, Northeastern) from Walpole, Massachusetts.
Schlittler’s 6.1 shutout innings (10 strikeouts) and Rice’s four-hit night with two homers, including a grand slam, highlighted the Yanks’ 9-0 win against Boston in the Wild Card opener, on the way to a two-game sweep.
Yankees scout Matt Hyde signed both players, advocating for Schlittler as a strike thrower and projecting his ability before he lit up radar guns with 100-plus mph fastballs.
Hyde has recalled the college-aged Schlittler as being “different than anybody else in his professionalism, his intent, his conviction.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
“We had him come to our pre-draft workout at Somerset and he looked like a professional pitcher throwing a bullpen.”
Since the right-hander’s big-league arrival in mid-2025, “we always expect to watch him go out and do something special,” Rice said of Schlittler this year.
Mostly, Rice – whose 41-homer season should earn him down-ballot MVP votes – has been struck by “how composed and competitive (Schlittler) is at the same time.
