Cam Schlittler swept all 30 votes to claim the 2026 American League Cy Young Award, capping a season that saw the New York Yankees right-hander post a 1.95 ERA and rack up 239 strikeouts over 193.2 innings. The 25-year-old’s performance not only led the league but earned him unanimous recognition as the best pitcher in the AL.
Speaking on MLB Network after the announcement, Schlittler expressed gratitude to his family and teammates. “I gotta thank my parents, and my brother and my sister for being by my side this whole time,” he said. “I really wouldn’t be here without them. Same with the extended family, just always supporting my back. You know, it’s been a long, tough season. It’s great to have people in your corner like that.”
Beyond family, Schlittler credited his Yankees coaches and teammates for their role in his development. “They’ve really helped my development this year. It’s been a special thing to be a part of,” he added. “Obviously the job isn’t done yet.”
Schlittler’s 2026 campaign featured 33 appearances and a 7.0 WAR, the highest among pitchers in the American League. His dominance on the mound helped reinforce his status among baseball’s elite, with the right-hander now firmly in discussion for the best pitcher across all of Major League Baseball.
The Yankees have not won the World Series since 2009, and Schlittler has set his sights on ending that drought. His Cy Young win is an individual milestone, but the 25-year-old made clear he is focused on team success moving forward.
The announcement has already sparked a wave of celebration within the Yankees organization. The team released a video tribute to Schlittler’s award, reflecting the pride and excitement surrounding their star pitcher.
While Schlittler’s Cy Young prize is his first, his performance this season suggests more awards could follow. For now, he is taking time to enjoy the recognition and prepare for the postseason, where the Yankees aim to translate his regular-season excellence into a championship run.
According to Yahoo Sports.
