Yankees insider opens door to top pitching prospect helping MLB rotation in 2025

If over-the-top monster Cam Schlittler wasn't on your radar at the start of the season, then we forgive you. It made sense to be skeptical, both of his potential immediate impact and long-term ceiling with the Yankees. After all, how often do seventh-round picks out of baseball powerhouse Northeastern University impact the big-league roster, even if they do happen to be 6'6"?

Sure, Schlittler pulled together an impressive minor-league season across three levels in 2024, striking out 154 men in 120 2/3 innings, but most of the gaudiest stuff happened at High-A; he was roughly average at Double-A, and stepped in a bucket in his lone Triple-A cameo, leaving the season with a 21.60 ERA at the level. Plus, what did he top out at, mid-90s? Ah, another "stamina over substance" guy blowing away the low minors, but struggling as the talent level increases. We've seen this befor -- oh. Wait.

The 2025 version of Schlittler touches 99, and has been destroying the International League since being promoted back to Triple-A, sporting a 1.69 ERA in four starts. Wednesday was his crowning achievement; he shut out the Worcester Red Sox through six near-spotless innings, striking out nine men (including Kristian Campbell three times and top prospect/All-Name Team member Jhostynxon Garcia once).

After that showcase start wrapped, Yankees insider Bryan Hoch of MLB.com noted that we maybe shouldn't be stunned if Schlittler gets a shot before this season is done.

Yankees top pitching prospect Cam Schlittler could get an MLB chance after dominant start vs. Red Sox best

Now ... is this a repeat of the offseason, when every Yankees beat writer swore that no, actually, Caleb Durbin really was penciled into second base to begin the season, only for him to swiftly be shipped off to Milwaukee in the Devin Williams trade? I mean ... can't be ruled out. The trade deadline is upon us.

But the starting rotation isn't exactly the Yankees' most glaring deadline need, in part because they can plug in Schlittler in case of emergency. The more fire he breathes at Triple-A, the more clearly ready he is for a cameo. Would Zac Gallen be a more valuable import? Sure. But is Schlittler superior to current-day Erick Fedde? More than likely. The Yankees would be better served using their best trade chips on a third baseman or bullpen ace rather than a frontline starter, so Schlittler could be called on to approximate one instead if the need arises.

Don't say Hoch didn't warn you.