Judge Backs Schlittler for Cy Young, Suggests MVP Case
Aaron Judge said Yankees ace Cam Schlittler is pitching at a Cy Young level and even deserves MVP consideration. Schlittler is 14-6 with a 1.95 ERA and 228 strikeouts this season. Manager Aaron Boone also called him a potential MVP, though Yordan Alvarez remains the likely favorite.
Schlittler, 25, has posted a dominant 184.2-inning campaign, leading the American League in ERA while striking out 228 batters. His 0.90 WHIP underscores his consistency, and teammate Aaron Judge publicly endorsed him for the league's top pitching honor, with Dylan Cease cited as the primary challenger.
The MVP discussion carries historical weight, as no pitcher has claimed the award since Clayton Kershaw in 2014. Houston's Yordan Alvarez remains the statistical frontrunner with a 1.016 OPS, but Schlittler's unprecedented season for a Yankees club in playoff contention has made the race more compelling than initially expected.
This story could reshape how voters evaluate pitcher value in MVP races, potentially influencing future award discussions beyond this season. Yankees fans may feel heightened optimism about their playoff chances, while Astros supporters could see Alvarez's case strengthened by contrast. The debate may also draw casual viewers into following a late-season race that typically centers on position players, broadening engagement with baseball's awards season.