New York Yankees May be Asking for Trouble With Cam Schlittler

You won't find many people in the metropolitan area saying negative things about New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler. I certainly don't.

Schlittler captured the hearts of Yankees fans everywhere with his blistering performance in Game 3 of the Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox back in October, when he racked up 12 strikeouts and didn't walk a single batter in eight scoreless innings.

The fact that Schlittler — a Massachusetts native — then took the opportunity to fire shots at the Red Sox and their fan base on social media afterward only made the Bronx faithful love him even more.

Now, heading into 2026, Schlittler is expected to be an integral part of the Yankees' starting rotation. In fact, he will probably begin the year as the team's No. 2 starter behind Max Fried with Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon both on the shelf.

But is New York actually asking for trouble when it comes to Schlittler and the lofty expectations surrounding him?

Personally, I feel Schlittler has ace potential, and I think it's entirely possible that a year or two from now, the 24-year-old could be the alpha of the Yanks' pitching staff.

That being said, we cannot ignore reality.

Schlittler made just 16 starts — including playoffs — in 2025. He tossed a grand total of 73 innings during the regular season, managing to post a 2.96 ERA while averaging 10.4 strikeouts per nine innings.

The numbers looked great, but Schlittler's 3.74 FIP and somewhat concerning 3.8 BB/9 indicate that regression may be coming for the right-hander. At least in 2026.

Schlittler has had moderate command issues ever since his time in the minors, as he also owns a lifetime 3.8 BB/9 across three minor-league campaigns. He has the stuff to compensate for it, but what happens when big-league hitters start to learn him?

It will be up to Schlittler to adjust to the adjustments, if you will, once the spring arrives, and that is never an easy task. That's why you so frequently see young pitchers endure sophomore slumps.

We also cannot ignore the much bigger elephant in the room: Schlittler throws 100 mph. He is a power pitcher, and flamethrowers always come with an inherent injury risk. Especially early on in their major-league careers.

The Yankees themselves know the risk that comes with young fireballers. We don't have to look too far from Luis Severino — or even Jonathan Loaisiga — to see that.

Schlittler could end up having a brilliant first full season in 2026, but we also need to leave room for the youngster to deal with the almost inevitable growing pains.

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