Cam Schlittler

Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

November 12, 2026

New York Yankees right-hander Cam Schlittler won the 2026 American League Cy Young Award unanimously on Wednesday, capping one of the most dominant pitching seasons in baseball history. He is now the seventh player in franchise history to win the award, joining Gerrit Cole (2023), Roger Clemens (2001), Ron Guidry (1978), Sparky Lyle (1977), Whitey Ford (1961), and Bob Turley (1958). At 25-years-old, Schlittler is the youngest Yankee to win the award, as well as the first homegrown winner since Guirdy.

“Obviously, it’s a special moment for me and my family, so it’s a great position to be in,” said Schlittler Wednesday evening. “I’ve got to thank my parents and my brother and my sister for being by my side this whole time. I wouldn’t really be here without them. Same with the extended family, just always supporting my back.”

Behind Schlittler (210) in the voting were Dylan Cease (110), Parker Messick (84), Drew Rasmussen (72), Sonny Gray (21), Reid Detmers (nine), Cade Smith (two), Bryan Baker (one), and Michael Wacha (one). Schlittler is now the 14th player in American League history to win the award unanimously, and the first since Tarik Skubal (2024).

Schlittler’s Brilliance

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Schlittler’s first full season in the majors was one to remember, as he led all American League starting pitchers in ERA (1.95) and WAR (7.0). He also finished second in innings pitched (193+) and WHIP (0.920), while ranking third in strikeouts (239).

In the postseason, Schlittler was as advertised. He opened the Wild Card round with a two-hit, 10-strikeout performance against his hometown Boston Red Sox, helping the Yankees defeat their archrivals in two games. He wasn’t as sharp in his next start against the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS, but he still finished the playoffs with a 1.69 ERA.

Beyond the numbers, Schlittler served as the rock of the Yankees’ rotation. Cole and Carlos Rodon began the season on the shelf, leaving Schlittler as the team’s No. 2 starter behind Max Fried. However, when Fried suffered an elbow injury in May, the second-year pitcher became the team’s unquestioned ace. Throughout the season, Rodon, Fried, and Ryan Weathers spent more time on the IL. Each time, though, Schlittler weathered the storm.