New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has placed pitcher Cam Schlittler into the American League Most Valuable Player discussion following another dominant performance in the team's 2-0 victory over the Mets. Boone suggested that Schlittler, already a front-runner for the AL Cy Young Award, "might be the MVP, too."

However, veteran player Aaron Judge, a three-time MVP himself, expressed a different view. "He’s definitely pitching like an MVP," Judge said. "They’ve got a Cy Young Award for a reason: for the best pitcher in the game. He’s got my vote for Cy Young."

Schlittler's potential MVP candidacy is considered a long shot, as no full-time pitcher has won the award since Clayton Kershaw in 2014, and the last AL pitcher to win was Justin Verlander in 2011. Houston's Yordan Alvarez and Tampa Bay's Junior Caminero are currently considered the favorites for the MVP award this season.

Following his six-shutout-inning performance against the Mets, Schlittler boasts the best ERA in the AL at 1.95 and leads the league with 184 2/3 innings pitched. His strong season has put him in contention for the Cy Young Award.

Judge, who won the MVP award in 2022, 2024, and 2025 when healthy, has had his own season impacted by injury. A stress fracture in his right rib sidelined him for over three months, preventing him from being in the MVP conversation this year. Since his return, Judge is 3-for-17 with no extra-base hits and nine strikeouts. He went hitless with three strikeouts on Sunday.

Despite his recent struggles at the plate, Judge stated he is "feeling really good" and emphasized that the team's winning is the most important factor. Boone echoed this sentiment, believing Judge is close to regaining his form and appears to be himself at the plate.

Judge returned to the lineup without a minor league rehab assignment, confident in his ability to contribute immediately. The Yankees have won four of five games since his return, with Judge recording three balls hit over 100 mph. He finished the Subway Series going 0-for-8 with five strikeouts after opening with a walk and a single against Nolan McLean.