Wappingers Falls, N.Y. (Nov. 11, 2026) – Former Hudson Valley Renegades RHP Cam Schlittler has been named the winner of the 2026 American League Cy Young Award, Major League Baseball has announced.
Schlittler, 25, went 14-6 with a 1.95 ERA while striking out 239 batters in 193.2 IP in 33 starts with the New York Yankees during the 2026 season. He led the AL in ERA and Wins Above Replacement (7.0) and was named to the All-Star Game for the first time in his career.
Drafted in the 7th round of the 2022 First-Year Player Draft out of Northeastern University, Schlittler pitched for the Renegades during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, combining to go 7-4 with a 2.73 ERA (92.1 IP, 69 H, 37 R, 28 ER, 39 BB, 114 K, 7 HR) in 19 starts. Schlittler was named the 2024 South Atlantic League Pitcher of the Year and took the mound for some of the most notable games at Heritage Financial Park in recent years, including being the starting pitcher for Snooki Night in 2023 and pitching in the debut of the Newburgh Gorhams identity in 2024.
Schlittler won the award over other finalists Dylan Cease (Toronto Blue Jays) and Parker Messick (Cleveland Guardians). Schlitter received 30 out of 30 total first-place votes. He is the 10th American League pitcher to win the award unanimously, and the first since Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers in 2024.
Schlittler has become the first Renegades alumnus to win the Cy Young Award in either league. He joins Evan Longoria, Jeremy Hellickson and Josh Hamilton as former Renegades players to win a major MLB award.
Renegades Alumni All-Time Major Postseason Awards
| Player | Award | Year | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cam Schlittler | AL Cy Young Award | 2026 | New York Yankees |
| Jeremy Hellickson | AL Rookie of the Year | 2011 | Tampa Bay Rays |
| Josh Hamilton | AL Most Valuable Player | 2010 | Texas Rangers |
| Evan Longoria | AL Rookie of the Year | 2008 | Tampa Bay Rays |
In the National League, 2018 Renegades pitcher Cristopher Sanchez finished 2nd in Cy Young Award voting, with Milwaukee Brewers RHP Jacob Misiorowski winning unanimously. The Renegades were one of three teams in Minor League Baseball to boast two Cy Young Award finalists as alumni (Dylan Cease and Chris Sale with Winston-Salem and Charlotte).
ABOUT THE HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES
The Hudson Valley Renegades have served as the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees since 2021 and are three-time South Atlantic League North Division Champions. Since 1994, the Renegades have provided the Hudson Valley with affordable, family-friendly entertainment through the game of baseball at Heritage Financial Park, part of the award-winning Dutchess County Parks system. Learn more about hosting your event at the ballpark at www.heritagefinancialpark.com.
Summit Club Memberships for the 2027 season are on sale now and be purchased at www.hvrenegades.com or over the phone by calling (845) 838-0094. Keep up to date on Renegades news by following the team (@HVRenegades) on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
ABOUT DIAMOND BASEBALL HOLDINGS
Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH) was formed in 2021 to support, promote and enhance Minor League Baseball Clubs affiliated with Major League Baseball through professional management, best practices, innovation and investment (DiamondBaseballHoldings.com).