Yankees' Cam Schlittler solidifying status as front-runner for AL Cy Young

New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler. Peter Aiken-Imagn Images

Yankees' Cam Schlittler solidifying status as front-runner for AL Cy Young

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated May 27, 2026 2:43 PM ET

New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler has emerged as a top contender for the AL Cy Young award this season.

His most recent performance against the Kansas City Royals has fortified his Cy Young campaign.

The 25-year-old right-hander pitched six innings, allowing four hits and one run while not allowing a walk and racking up six strikeouts.

This season Schlittler is boasting with a 7-2 record and 1.50 ERA with 81 strikeouts across 12 games. He also holds a stellar chase rate of 37.1%, sitting in the 95th percentile. His 5.1 % walk rate showcases his strong control and command on the mound.

Cam Schlittler continues his Cy Young campaign against the Royals!

6.0 IP
4 H
1 R
0 BB
6 K’s

Season ERA: 1.50 pic.twitter.com/jDOBYYeZH5
— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) May 27, 2026

Why Cam Schlittler is top candidate for AL Cy Young

Initially, Schlittler had a heavy competitor with reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal in the mix. But Schlitter has emerged as a front-runner with Skubal landing on the IL with an elbow injury that required surgery.

Schlittler currently sits as the betting favourite (+125) to win the AL Cy Young award. His current competition consists of veteran starters Jacob deGrom and Dylan Cease.

While Cease recently landed on the 15- IL, it is a minor hamstring strain that will likely have him missing only two starts. This still leaves him in the running, pending he doesn't face setbacks with his recovery and performance.

Before landing on the IL Cease was dominating with 92 strikeouts this season. But Schlitter leads the AL in ERA (1.50), and is tied for first with seven wins.

Cam Schlittler and Cristopher Sanchez are the only pitchers this season with:

60+ IP
≤1.75 ERA

They are the favorites on @Novig to win the AL and NL Cy Young this season. pic.twitter.com/3js7y4VH7q
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 27, 2026

Schlittler and NL Cy Young favourite Cristopher Sanchez are the only pitchers this season with 60+ innings pitched and an ERA under 1.75.

Overall, Schlittler is establishing himself as a major threat in a race that contains fluctuating contenders.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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