The rise of Cam Schlittler and Will Warren has been a fascinating development in the 2026 MLB season, particularly for the New York Yankees. Schlittler, at just 25 years old, has dominated with an AL-leading 1.35 ERA across nine starts, showcasing a devastating three-fastball mix. His performance has put him in the conversation for the AL All-Stars and even the Cy Young award. However, it's not just Schlittler carrying the Yankees' starting staff; Will Warren, who turns 27 next month, has been equally impressive.
Warren's 3.42 ERA through nine starts, coupled with 59 strikeouts, has put him in the top tier of American League pitchers. His numbers in xERA, FIP, xFIP, and SIERA are exceptional, ranking him among the elite in the league. What makes Warren's success even more intriguing is the improvement in his strikeout-to-walk ratio (K-BB%). His K-BB% has increased significantly, indicating that his early-season success is not a fluke.
The key to Warren's transformation lies in his command and pitch sequencing. Despite not throwing substantially more strikes, Warren has improved his command of his four-seam fastball, sweeper, and changeup. He's hitting his spots more consistently, which has led to better results. Additionally, the synergy between his pitches has created a formidable arsenal. His changeup plays off his sinker, and his sinker works in tandem with his four-seam. This interplay between pitches has elevated his overall performance.
Advanced pitch models, such as Stuff+ and PitchingBot, highlight Warren's elite status. His Pitching+ and PitchingBot scores are among the best in the league, surpassing even established stars like Jacob deGrom. These metrics suggest that Warren has the skills to maintain his success throughout the season.
The Yankees' starting staff, despite injuries to key pitchers like Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón, has excelled. Warren's contribution has been invaluable, and his performance has positioned him as a future ace for the team. While Schlittler and other big names garner attention, Warren's quiet dominance should not be overlooked.
In my opinion, Warren's story is a testament to the importance of command and pitch sequencing. It's a reminder that sometimes, it's not just about throwing harder or generating more swings, but about precision and strategy. Warren's success is a fascinating case study in the art of pitching, and I can't wait to see how his season unfolds.
