Two Massachusetts natives have become the Bronx’s breakout stars. Right‑hander Cam Schlittler, a former Red Sox fan from Walpole, earned early Cy Young buzz in his first full season. Left‑handed slugger Ben Rice, raised in Cohasset, is delivering MVP‑level production in his third year for the Yankees. Both swapped childhood loyalty for Yankees success as Boston fans watch in disbelief for the Yankees.

Rice smashed 26 homers with an .836 OPS in 2025 and sits fourth in the majors with 22 blasts and a .956 OPS, eclipsing Juan Soto’s output at a fraction of the salary. Schlittler debuted with a 100‑mph fastball, posting a 2.96 ERA in 14 starts before posting an AL-best 1.62 ERA this season, highlighted by a 13‑strikeout, no‑walk outing against Boston this year.

Their surge helped New York beat the Red Sox 5‑0, with Schlittler delivering six scoreless innings and Rice launching a three‑run homer. Manager Aaron Boone praised the duo as “cornerstone pieces” turning a New England talent pool into elite Yankees contributors. Boston fans cheered the performance on social media, while the Red Sox remain stuck in a rebuild.