Schlittler moves closer to MLB call as Yankees promote fireballing rookie

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NEW YORK — The New York Yankees’ pitching pipeline just pushed another electric arm one step closer to the big leagues. Cam Schlittler, the towering 6-foot-6 right-hander and one of the Yankees’ top 10 prospects, has been promoted from Double-A Somerset to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre following a dominant two-month stretch that has made him one of the most exciting breakout arms in the system.

YES Network’s Jack Curry first reported the move after Schlittler’s latest outing Sunday, where he threw five shutout innings against Akron, striking out six and walking none. It was the latest in a string of overpowering performances from the 24-year-old, who now holds a 2.38 ERA and 2.18 FIP over 53 innings, with 64 strikeouts, only 17 walks, and a 48.4% ground ball rate.

A rising force in the Yankees’ farm

Drafted in the 7th round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of Northeastern University, Schlittler entered the organization with modest velocity and an underwhelming arsenal. Fast forward to 2025, and the transformation is startling. His fastball now regularly sits 95 mph and has touched 99 mph, with high spin and elite extension that helps it play up at the top of the zone.

He’s complemented that heater with three sharp secondaries — a power curveball, a sweeping slider, and most recently, a devastating cutter, which has become his go-to addition this season.

“This cutter just clicked for me,” Schlittler told local reporters. “I’m naturally a supinator, so it felt easy to throw and get results right away.”

The analytics back it up. The cutter, which replaced a splitter and gyro slider that never found consistency, has been generating soft contact and inducing grounders. It came to life in late April after a conversation with a member of the Yankees’ analytics team. Since its debut, Schlittler has been untouchable — including a seven-inning, two-hit, nine-strikeout gem against Hartford on April 24.

Schlittler builds on physical and mental growth

Schlittler attributes part of his success to offseason preparation. He added 15 pounds of muscle, increasing his weight to 224 lbs, allowing him to sustain his velocity deeper into outings.

“The biggest part is obviously just maintaining that and keeping it on,” Schlittler said. “I feel like what I’ve worked on in the offseason, I’ve been able to see those results — fewer walks, more weak contact, and still getting strikeouts.”

He also noted that his brief exposure to spring training and last season’s late taste of Double-A helped sharpen his confidence and command.

Yankees farm director Kevin Reese praised Schlittler’s commitment: “Cam came into this year with a clear mission. He’s grown as a pitcher and a professional. He’s earned this next step.”

Tools of a future big-league starter

What makes Schlittler so tantalizing for the Yankees is his complete profile. His four-pitch mix, consistent command, and poise on the mound give him the traits of a mid-to-top rotation starter. He’s inducing more ground balls than ever, up from 41.4% last season to 48.4%, and his walk rate has dropped from 3.62 BB/9 to 2.89 BB/9.

His curveball remains the best swing-and-miss offering in his arsenal, but the cutter has already become a weapon.

“I’m very confident throwing all three secondaries to both sides of the plate,” Schlittler said. “I’m just going out there and competing, staying healthy, and letting the stuff play.”

Yankees’ pinstripes a step away

The promotion to Triple-A brings Schlittler within striking distance of the Bronx. If he continues dominating at the next level, a 2025 debut with the Yankees is very much on the table — especially with ongoing rotation uncertainties due to injuries and depth concerns.

The Yankees have leaned on their farm system in recent years, developing arms like Michael King, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt into legitimate contributors. Schlittler could be next in that line.

“He’s got the stuff to pitch in the majors today,” said one rival scout. “It’s just a matter of refining that consistency and showing it at Triple-A. The tools are there. He has real upside.”

Manager Aaron Boone declined to comment on potential call-up timelines, but confirmed the organization is excited about Schlittler’s trajectory.

“There’s no denying what Cam’s done this year,” Boone said. “We’re thrilled with his growth. He’s put himself in a position to be part of our plans.”

Yankees’ next ace

For Schlittler, the journey from overlooked college righty to a potential MLB call-up has been rapid. His combination of size, stuff, work ethic, and adaptability has made him one of the Yankees’ most valuable pitching assets.

“If they want to keep me in Triple-A, I’ll keep working,” Schlittler said. “If they want to move me up, that’s a new challenge I’m ready for. Either way, I just want to stay consistent and help this organization win.”

With his performance lighting up prospect boards and radar guns alike, Cam Schlittler may be just weeks away from trading his Triple-A jersey for Yankees‘ pinstripes.

Yankees fans could get their first glimpse of Schlittler in the Bronx before summer ends. The countdown is on.

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