History was made on Wednesday as Jacob Misiorowski of the Milwaukee Brewers and Cam Schlittler of the New York Yankees were both crowned unanimous Cy Young winners. This rare feat highlights the elite dominance displayed by both pitchers during their first full major league campaigns. Baseball writers overwhelmingly backed these two standouts for the top pitching honors in their respective leagues.
The rise of unanimous Cy Young winners in 2026
Misiorowski secured every single first-place vote for the National League trophy. The Brewers ace dominated the mound throughout his debut full season, boasting a 1.80 ERA and an incredible 252 strikeouts. His efforts proved pivotal as the Brewers surged to an MLB-best 103 regular season wins. Following a stellar year, you can read the full details regarding their historic achievement here. Misiorowski joined legendary company as a Brewers award winner, including former stars Corbin Burnes and Rollie Fingers.
In the American League, Cam Schlittler mirrored that perfection. The Yankees right-hander swept the voting to claim his first major league pitching title. Schlittler edged out competitors like Dylan Cease and Parker Messick to solidify his status as the premier arm in the AL. His rapid transition from prospect to ace defined the Yankees’ season strategy and success on the field.
Setting new standards for pitching excellence
The 2026 season also celebrated the debut of the Reliever of the Year award. Mason Miller of the San Diego Padres earned the National League title unanimously. Miller demonstrated incredible power with a 1.67 ERA and 129 strikeouts over just 70 innings of work. Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays saw Louis Varland claim the American League honors. Varland maintained a league-leading 1.27 ERA throughout his 78 innings of high-leverage relief pitching.
Misiorowski remains humble despite his record-setting performance. He plans to spend his downtime away from the diamond with his family. The young star noted that the quiet moments following his World Series triumph offer a unique perspective on his rapid ascent to the top of the sport. Further information on these award recipients can be found in our comprehensive report.
Impact of the 2026 pitching class
The numbers behind these awards showcase a profound shift in modern pitching. Misiorowski recorded a 232 ERA+, a mark not seen in a full season since Pedro Martinez in 2000. Additionally, he became the first pitcher since Randy Johnson in 2001 to capture both the Cy Young Award and the World Series in the same calendar year. These achievements solidify his standing among the most impactful pitchers in recent memory. As the league looks ahead, the bar set by Misiorowski and Schlittler serves as a benchmark for young arms entering the majors.