The New York Yankees got through April after a brief rough stretch. The club won 16 games, losing 10. The success of the month was led by three main contributors; Aaron Judge, Ben Rice, and Cam Schlittler. These three need to carry the momentum into May. We are days into May and the Bronx bombers have started off on the right foot. They picked up two wins against their American League East counterparts, the Baltimore Orioles. The club wishes to have this month mirror April, if not better.
The club faced the Miami Marlins, Athletics, Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Angels, Kansas City Royals, Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers. All competitive teams that provided good competition. May will look fairly similar, as the grind continues. The Yankees will need key contributions from their top noted guys. Judge, Rice, and Schlittler were a trio of top producers from the batters box to the mound.
Yankees Top Three Performers in April Need to Be Hot in May
Let’s start on the bump, where the club has shown very impressive strength. The Yankees are still awaiting Gerrit Cole to return, while Luis Gil struggled and was optioned to AAA as a result. The one pitcher that has been the talk of the league is Cam Schlittler.
The Yankees top pitcher has been the anticipated piece to the starting rotation. His April performance starts with a 3-1 record and a 1.73 ERA in six games and 36 and 1 / 3 innings. Schlittler ranks second of Major League Baseball’s top 25 pitchers for 2026. The right-hander currently holds a 4-1 season record with a 1.51 ERA, striking out 41 and only walking six hitters. He was a strong and important factor in April, who needs to repeat in May and beyond.
Cam Schlittler through 7 starts this season:
41.2 IP
49 K (t-1st in AL)
1.51 ERA (2nd)
0.74 WHIP (1st)
.168 BAA (4th)His 2.43 career ERA is the lowest by a Yankees SP through their first 21 games since 1968. (min 70 IP)pic.twitter.com/oY5iJNFG5m
— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) April 29, 2026
These Two Hitters Have Swung Their Way into the Rankings
The Bronx Bombers top dog, Aaron Judge ranks third on MLB’s top 25 hitters list. He’s tied for second most home runs with Yordan Alvarez, of the Houston Astros. They both have 12 bombs, right under Munetaka Murakami. The Yankees captain has been the engine of the lineup. The outfielder recorded 91 at-bats in the month of April. He finished with a .275 batting average, .416 on-base percentage, and .659 slugging percentage. Judge launched 10 home runs, 25 hits, with 20 walks, 17 RBis, and scoring 23 times with 60 total bases. On the season, Judge has 21 RBIs on 12 home runs, and 30 hits. The Yankees slugger is on pace for an Most Valuable Player Season. He’s also on pace to lead the club again in home runs, and has been a major contributor this season so far, especially in April.
Who’s the second hitter? Only a true Yankees prodigy; Ben Rice. The club’s left-handed bat has been a true production for the team offensively. In April, rice recorded 84 at-bats finishing with 27 hits, 10 home runs, 20 RBIs, 18 walks, 22 runs and 63 total bases. Rice also finished with a .321 batting average, .438 on-base percentage, and a .750 slugging percentage. The Yankees offensive stick is ranked fourth in hitters by MLB, right under Aaron Judge.
These three players have been the highlight of the boys in pinstripes. Their contributions helped the team maintain first place in the AL East and they’ll need to continue to be great throughout May and the rest of the schedule.
(Top Image Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)
