In 2025, New York Yankees fans can be forgiven for resorting to hyperbolic statements after an encouraging debut from a homegrown pitching prospect.
In fact, just about any news regarding a Yankees starter this season that doesn’t involve an injury of a potentially season-ending nature might be cause for a parade in the Bronx. More on that later.
But as for Cam Schlittler’s MLB debut on July 9, when he gave up four hits and three runs and struck out seven batters in 5.1 innings against Seattle, Patrick Hennessy of the Unhinged Patrick podcast opined that the Yankees may have just discovered a generational talent.
“Cam Schlittler might be the Yankees version of Paul Skenes,” Hennessy said.
Well, they are both 6-foot-6 right-handed pitchers who throw hard.
“Maybe looks has a little bit to do [with] it, I don’t know,” Hennessy said. “Maybe it’s the velocity thing. Maybe it’s a stuff thing. But the fact that he has a 100-mph fastball, and then a 92-mph slider, and also kind of a filthy curveball, too. Did anybody notice that? But I like what we saw from Cam Schlittler.”
It is hard to deny that there is plenty to like about Schlittler.
Cam Schlittler Excites Fans With Impressive MLB Debut
The No. 10 prospect in the Yankees organization, Schlittler has certainly looked the part since being drafted in the seventh round of the 2022 draft. Over the past three seasons, Schlittler has made 54 minor-league appearances, including 50 starts, posting a 3.33 ERA with 303 strikeouts in 243.1 innings.
Schlittler’s exciting potential was on full display in front of a raucous Yankee Stadium crowd, who gave him a standing ovation when he was pulled from the game.
“He earned this opportunity – not just because there’s a bunch of guys down, but because he’s absolutely the guy that’s put up the numbers and done the work in the first few months,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone. He’s got a big arm, and he continues to get better.”
Of course, one start does not a Hall-of-Fame career make, but it was enough to impress the MLB pundits. Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report chose Schlittler as his “Second-Half MLB Breakout Candidate” from the Yankees, while Chris Towers of CBS Sports, as part of his “Bold Second-Half Predictions for All 30 MLB Teams,” suggested that Schlittler will lead his team in strikeouts through the remainder of the season.
“[Schlittler] showcased elite velocity and good movement on his fastball, plus a slider that should miss plenty of bats in his MLB debut,” Towers wrote. “He isn’t a perfect pitching prospect, but Schlittler impressed on his way to the majors this season, striking out a ton of hitters at the two highest levels of the minors while keeping the ball in the yard well enough. It’s a tough home park, but Schlittler looks like he can miss enough bats to mitigate that, and he could provide a nice boost for the Yankees down the stretch.”
Cam Schlittler Scratched From Second MLB Start Due to Biceps Discomfort
Unfortunately, Schlittler’s second MLB start had to be put on hold. Originally scheduled to take the mound on Friday night against the Braves, Schlittler was a late scratch because he was experiencing discomfort near his right biceps.
Reports indicated that the Yankees sent Schlittler for an MRI, which Boone said came back clean. But during a season in which the Yankees have lost Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt to Tommy John surgery, while Lucas Gil has yet to pitch due to a high grade lat strain, anything of an injury nature to another pitcher is enough to send Yankees fans over the edge.
“While the Yankees are downplaying the issue, whatever they say is hard to take at face value because of how so many other injury situations have gone by the wayside,” wrote Thomas Carannante of the FanSided-affiliated site Yanks Go Yard.
So during a time of pitching angst among the New York faithful, a little hyperbolic optimism over Schlittler’s potential can be excused.
“He’s potentially our version of Paul Skenes,” Hennessy said. “Obviously a little bit less talented for now, but I’m excited to see what he can do.”
Hopefully it won’t be a long wait.
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