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New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler has officially been named the recipient of the 2026 American League Cy Young Award. His dominant campaign anchored the team’s rotation and capped off an impressive individual season.
Unanimous Cy Young Honor for Schlittler
Schlittler posted an American League-leading 1.95 ERA, which stands as the third-lowest single-season mark in franchise history. As reported by MLB.com, the right-hander was a unanimous selection for the award after pulling away from runner-up Dylan Cease with a strong finish down the stretch of the regular season.
With this honor, Schlittler becomes the seventh pitcher in Yankees history to claim the award. He is also the first New York starter to win the Cy Young since Gerrit Cole received the recognition in 2023.
Offseason Infield Targets and Roster Changes
Alongside the award news, the Yankees are preparing for potential roster adjustments this winter. According to MLB Trade Rumors, the team is searching for stability at third base following a difficult 2026 performance from Ryan McMahon, who struggled significantly both in the field and at the plate.
To address the opening, New York has expressed interest in former Philadelphia Phillies infielder Alec Bohm. Although Bohm had a down contract year, finishing with an 87 OPS+ and a .249/.315/.383 batting line, he remains one of the top available options in a relatively light free-agent market at the position.
Changes are also expected at second base. NJ.com reported that general manager Brian Cashman strongly indicated at the GM Meetings that the organization will not re-sign free agent Jazz Chisholm Jr. Cashman pointed to internal candidates for the position next season, including Anthony Volpe, José Caballero, and Max Schuemann.
Although Cashman praised Chisholm’s character, work ethic, and overall performance, he grouped him alongside former Yankees Harrison Bader, Luis Severino, and Gleyber Torres, who were allowed to leave in free agency following quiet contract years.
Coaching Staff Shakeup
The front office is also searching for replacements on the coaching staff. The New York Post reported that bench coach Brad Ausmus has been hired as the manager of the Houston Astros. Ausmus spent three years working closely with manager Aaron Boone after previously spending ten seasons with Houston as a player, having also interviewed for their general manager and manager vacancies in past cycles.
Furthermore, hitting coach James Rowson left the organization to accept a position as offensive coordinator for the San Francisco Giants, as reported by The Athletic. Los Angeles Dodgers co-hitting coach Aaron Bates has surfaced as an early candidate of interest to replace Rowson in New York.
