Yankees Rookie Pushes Back On Trade Rumors

New York Yankees rookie pitcher Cam Schlittler knows what he wants — and it is to stay right where he is.

The right-hander has quickly become one of the Yankees’ most intriguing arms, and after just two big league starts, his name is already circulating in trade conversations. Yet despite the speculation, Schlittler is doing his best to stay locked in on the job at hand.

“Obviously, you know it’s there,” Schlittler told Gary Phillips of the Daily News, “But at the end of the day, I’m still a Yankee and trying to be a Yankee.”

It is a mindset the 22-year-old has had to adopt quickly. With the July 31 trade deadline approaching and New York reportedly exploring upgrades at third base and in the bullpen, Schlittler’s value as a controllable young arm has never been higher.

His debut earlier this month turned heads, flashing triple-digit velocity and seven strikeouts in 5 ⅓ innings against Seattle. The buzz has not stopped since.

A Massachusetts native and former Walpole High standout, Schlittler climbed the system fast since he was selected in the seventh round in 2022. He went 2-1 with a 3.80 ERA at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this season and has leaned into advice from pitching coach Matt Blake to tune out the deadline noise.

Schlittler could be a key piece in any deal for an established starter or bat. New York has been tied to Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez but could pivot toward pitching, with names like Pittsburgh Pirates’ Ke’Bryan Hayes, Willi Castro of the Minnesota Twins and Yoan Moncada of the Los Angeles Angels also potential targets.

The Yankees’ farm system currently ranks 24th per MLB Pipeline, making assets like Schlittler, Spencer Jones and George Lombard Jr. especially valuable. But Schlittler made it clear he is hoping to stay.

“That’s the goal: come up as a Yankee, stay a Yankee, and hopefully play here for a long time.”