Yankees’ Cam Schlittler and Ben Rice earn All-MLB honors, cementing a shared rise

Cam Schlittler and Ben Rice, two Yankees homegrown standouts with shared roots in the organization’s scouting pipeline, were recognized during MLB Awards week for top full-season production. Schlittler was named to the All-MLB First Team as a starting pitcher, while Rice earned All-MLB Second Team honors as the designated hitter.

The connection between the two is personal as well as professional. MLB described both as Massachusetts players who were signed by the same Yankees scout and later attended their first All-Star Game together in Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park.

Schlittler’s First Team selection came with American League Cy Young Award momentum and statistical dominance that set context for his national recognition. MLB reported he finished 14-6 with a 1.95 ERA, including 21 starts in which he allowed one run or fewer, a Yankees franchise record.

MLB also tied Schlittler’s All-MLB nod to league-leading positioning on several pitching measures. The release lists him as second in the majors in ERA and first in the AL, tied for second in wins above replacement among pitchers (6.2, per FanGraphs), third in opponents’ on-base percentage (.244, first in the AL), and tied for third in strikeouts (239, tied for second in the AL).

Rice’s All-MLB outcome reflected his breakthrough as the Yankees’ power-and-run-producing DH. MLB reported he hit 41 home runs to lead the Yankees and joined the club of early-career Yankees to reach at least 40 homers in their first three major league seasons. In the broader All-MLB statistical package, he slashed.264/.363/.534 with 24 doubles and 97 RBIs across 154 games, while ranking third in the majors in slugging, fourth in OPS, and high in extra-base hit totals.

The All-MLB Awards were created to honor full-season contributions, distinguishing them from All-Star selections that are based on first-half performance. MLB reported fans voted to help choose first- and second-team selections at each position among this year’s nominees.