Cam Schlitter Aims to Elevate Game with New Changeup as Yankees Look Ahead

Cam Schlitter made an immediate impact for the New York Yankees in 2025, showcasing poise and dominance as a rookie starter. The right-hander carried his strong regular-season performance into the playoffs, solidifying his reputation as one of the team’s most promising young pitchers.

As he looks ahead to his second year in pinstripes, Schlitter is committed to improvement and adding new tools to his repertoire. Central to his offseason focus is the development of a changeup, which would give him a versatile weapon against left-handed hitters and expand his pitching approach.

Pitching coach Matt Blake emphasized the value of the addition, noting that Schlitter already possesses a robust arsenal of fastballs and off-speed pitches. Blake sees the changeup as a way to induce weak contact and limit extended at-bats, complementing Schlitter’s natural strengths while refining his overall command.

Beyond adding a pitch, Schlitter is approaching the offseason with discipline and determination. He plans to report to the Yankees’ development complex in Tampa Bay early in January, fully focused on making his sophomore season an even stronger statement than his rookie campaign.

1. Refining the Arsenal

The changeup is the centerpiece of Schlitter’s offseason plan. Blake explained that the goal is to create a pitch that can be “below the barrel” of hitters while remaining fully controllable, allowing Schlitter to disrupt timing without sacrificing command. Schlitter already boasts a mix of fastballs and secondary pitches that have kept hitters off balance, but adding a reliable changeup could elevate his approach. The pitch would serve as an equalizer against left-handed batters, expanding the range of his strikeout opportunities and soft-contact outs. The Yankees’ coaching staff is balancing development with the need to maintain what Schlitter already does well. Blake emphasized that refining existing pitches is just as important as adding new tools, ensuring that Schlitter’s core strengths remain a foundation for his game. For Schlitter, the offseason work is not just about adding a pitch but also about enhancing his overall effectiveness. The goal is to limit foul-ball battles, generate weak contact, and ultimately keep hitters off balance throughout an outing.

2. Building on Rookie Success

Schlitter’s rookie season set a high bar for expectations. Over 14 appearances, he posted a 2.96 ERA with an 84/31 strikeout-to-walk ratio, showcasing both dominance and control. His performance was a critical factor in the Yankees’ rotation stability during the regular season. He carried that success into the playoffs, delivering a memorable debut against the Boston Red Sox. Schlitter struck out 12 batters over eight scoreless innings while allowing zero walks, demonstrating his ability to perform under postseason pressure. Despite the accolades, Schlitter remains self-critical and motivated. “I was happy with how my three months went in my rookie season, but it could have been a lot better,” he said. His mindset emphasizes continuous growth rather than resting on early success. This drive reflects a maturity beyond his years, signaling to the Yankees and fans that his rookie campaign was only the beginning. Schlitter’s preparation and focus suggest he is ready to take the next step as a key contributor to New York’s pitching staff.

3. Implications for the Yankees Rotation

The Yankees enter the upcoming season with a rotation that faces challenges due to injuries to key arms Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon. This places additional responsibility on Schlitter to step up as a frontline starter. If Schlitter continues his trajectory and integrates the new changeup effectively, he could become a central figure in New York’s rotation for years to come. His combination of velocity, command, and developing pitch variety makes him a potentially formidable force against opposing lineups. The team’s coaching staff is keenly aware of Schlitter’s potential and is investing in his development as both a short-term contributor and long-term rotation cornerstone. His progress will be critical in maintaining competitiveness despite health uncertainties in the pitching staff. Looking ahead, a healthy, improved Schlitter could offset the loss of other starters and provide the Yankees with a reliable, high-level option deep into games. His continued growth may well define the team’s pitching outlook for the 2026 season and beyond.