The Red Sox and the Yankees rivalry has always been an intense talking point in MLB, however, the intensity has risen when they are heading into the decisive Game 3 of the AL Wild Card Series. The Red Sox are ready with Connelly Early, while the Yankees counter with their young star, Cam Schlittler. With the 2 teams’ seasons now riding on rookie pitchers, tension among their fans is at a boiling point.

What has caused more drama is Cam Schlittler’s public statement ahead of the matchup. The 24-year-old has been lights-out since debuting with a 2.96 ERA in 14 starts. Now, he has claimed that his family was lifelong Red Sox fans and they had switched their love towards the Yankees because of him. “Yeah, I mean, I’d say so. Again, obviously growing up in Boston, I take pride in being from Boston. Again, when it came to my career and where I want to be, this is where I want to be. They’re fully Yankee guys now. They don’t wear it as much around in Boston, just because, but when they’re here, they’re very proud about it,” the Yankees star said.

That statement lit up social media, with the Red Sox fans rejecting the idea outright. Superfan Jared Carrabis was quick to push back, posting: “I’m sorry, but there’s a 0% chance that this is true. You don’t live your whole life as a Red Sox fan and then become a Yankee fan because your relative pitches for them. Root for their personal success, sure, but that’s it. 50+ years loving the Sox and now you’re a Yankee fan? No.”

It is not just him, but some random fans too showed their frustration and pointed out that Schlittler was disrespectful towards the Red Sox. For instance, one fan said, “A true Red Sox fan would never become a Yankees fan”. Another fan said, “I mean, respect for supporting your family member, I would too, even if they were a Yankee, but changing fandom, especially between the rivalry, they were never actual fans. Maybe casual baseball fans”.

So, where does this leave things? Schlittler’s statement does not hit back; it cuts into the heart of the rivalry. For the Red Sox fans, their loyalty is generational, something passed down, not switched overnight. For the fans, the Yankees star’s claim looks like a betrayal of what it means to grow up in Boston baseball culture. The Red Sox-Yankees rivalry has always been related to more than just wins and losses; it is related to identity, pride, and value.

However, Schlittler’s statement is not the only factor shaping the buildup to Game 3: the Yankees think they have a vital edge in the rookie pitching showdown.

Why do the Yankees hold the upper hand in the Winner-Take-All matchup?

As per The Athletic, the Yankees think that the Game 3 matchup tilts largely in their favor because of Cam Schlittler. The rookie has already impressed with a 2.96 ERA since his July debut. He also has relied on a fastball that basically hits 98–100 mph, and it is an effective cutter and a developing curveball. Yankees assistant pitching coach Preston Claiborne, before Game 2, said that the team is comfortable with everything on the line: “Win tonight and the season rests on Cam. That’s a good place to be.” Schlittler’s skill to pitch deep into games: 7 innings of shutout ball against the Orioles in his final regular-season start, has enhanced confidence inside the team. The star’s demeanor, acknowledged as “unflappable” by pitching coach Matt Blake and “a f—ing competitor” by Claiborne, provides the Yankees with the edge in a high-pressure elimination game.

On the contrary, the Red Sox are going into the field with far less certainty. They are now forced to rely on 24-year-old rookie Connelly Early after injuries to their rotation. Alex Cora will have to gamble with a taxed bullpen if Early struggles. The Athletic highlighted that the Red Sox burned through 6 relievers in Game 2, containing 47 pitches from Garrett Whitlock, who could not be available Thursday.

However, the Yankees’ relief staff: David Bednar, Devin Williams, Fernando Cruz, and potentially Will Warren are fresher and better equipped to help their starter. With a deeper bullpen, momentum from the Game 2 win, and Schlittler’s rising profile, the Yankees have positioned themselves as the clear favorite to advance past their biggest competitor into the ALDS.

The Red Sox-Yankees rivalry has always been defined by feelings, loyalty, and legacy, and Cam Schlittler’s statement related to his family’s allegiance has only added fuel to the fire. However, while the Red Sox fans seethe over his statement, the reality, as The Athletic points out, is that the Yankees enter Game 3 with the more stable pitching approach and fresher bullpen.