Cam Schlittler Reacts to MVP Chants After Historic Start for Yankees in Wild Card Win vs. Red Sox

Cam Schlittler appreciates the New York Yankees fans, but he doesn't think he is an MVP just because they were chanting as much during Tuesday's 9-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox in Game 1 of their Wild Card Series.

"We've already got an MVP in this locker room, he's won three of them," he told reporters while referencing Aaron Judge. "… It's a good feeling. I wouldn't say I am an MVP, but it's good to embrace that from the fans."

Schlittler may not think he's an MVP, but he looked like one Monday.

He allowed just two hits and one walk while striking out 10 in 6.1 innings of work. It was a brilliant individual performance and set the tone against the Yankees' archrivals right out of the gates in their short series.

It was also more of the same after he finished the regular season with a 1.95 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 239 strikeouts in 193.2 innings. He will surely take home the American League Cy Young award for his efforts, but his ultimate legacy may come down to what he does in the playoffs.

And he couldn't have scripted a much better start.

Red Sox vs. Yankees (09/29/2026)

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New York didn't need much offense behind Schlittler but it got plenty anyway with Ben Rice going 4-for-5 with two home runs and six RBI. Throw in two RBI from Austin Wells, and the Yankees gave their dominant right-hander more than enough run support.

With Judge sidelined by injury, New York needed others to play like MVPs to take an early series lead.

Schlittler and Rice did just that, and now the team is one win away from advancing to the Division Series.