How the Yankees Scouted and Signed Pitcher Cam Schlittler
A tip from a friend and an area scout's keen eye led the Yankees to sign pitcher Cam Schlittler, despite competition from his hometown Red Sox.
The New York Yankees secured pitcher Cam Schlittler, a native of Walpole, Massachusetts, and an alumnus of Northeastern University, through a process initiated by a tip to Yankees area scout Matt Hyde.
Hyde received information about Schlittler from retired Mets scout John Kosciak, who had heard about the pitcher from the late Red Sox manager and Walpole resident Joe Morgan. Kosciak advised Hyde to scout Schlittler, who was then pitching for the Walpole High Rebels.
Following the recommendation, Hyde observed Schlittler pitch and found potential. The Yankees' scouting department, led by scouting director Damon Oppenheimer, took note. Oppenheimer identified Schlittler as "projectable," indicating an upside despite inconsistent performance and radar readings, and recommended continued observation.
Hyde, who also signed Yankees player Ben Rice, continued to follow Schlittler's development. He developed a favorable view of Schlittler's potential and personality after seeing him play in the Cape Cod Baseball League and later at Northeastern University. This sustained interest and personal connection were instrumental in the Yankees' decision to sign the pitcher, ultimately bringing him into the organization over his hometown team, the Red Sox.