A heated rivalry in MLB has crossed a dangerous line. New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler is reportedly receiving death threats from fans associated with the Boston Red Sox ahead of his scheduled start this week at Fenway Park. This is an alarming development that has quickly become a major talking point around the league.MORE: MLB catcher power rankings in week 5Rivalry Turns UglyThe Yankees–Red Sox rivalry is one of the most intense in all of sports.

But this isn’t passion, this is something else entirely. Trash talk, boos, and hostile environments are expected at Fenway. Threats are not.

And situations like this highlight how quickly things can escalate beyond the boundaries of competition.Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated incident. Athletes across Major League Baseball and other leagues have increasingly dealt with harassment and threats, often fueled by social media. What used to stay in the stands now follows players everywhere.

For Schlittler, what should be just another start has now become something much more serious.Apr 1, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) in the dugout after being pulled from the game during the seventh inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn ImagesSafety Comes FirstWhenever threats like this surface, the priority shifts immediately. Teams, stadium security, and league officials will almost certainly be monitoring the situation closely.

Additional precautions are expected, especially given the environment and the visibility of the matchup.Because no game—no rivalry—is worth compromising safety. From a baseball standpoint, this adds another layer of pressure. Pitching at Fenway Park is already a challenge.

Doing so under these circumstances makes it even more difficult. The ability to block out distractions will be critical for Schlittler.Mar 27, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) throws a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn ImagesThe Responsibility of FansThis situation also brings attention to fan behavior.

Passion is part of sports. But there’s a line—and this clearly crosses it. Threats don’t represent a fanbase; they undermine it.This should be about baseball.

Instead, it’s a reminder that the intensity of sports rivalries needs boundaries. Cam Schlittler is preparing for a start—but the conversation around it has already gone far beyond the field. And that’s something the sport cannot afford to normalize.— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —