New York Yankees starting pitcher Luis Gil won the American League Rookie of the Year title on Monday in a tight vote over Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser, and manager Aaron Boone issued a message to the media following the announcement.
“Congratulations to Luis on an amazing season,” Aaron Boone remarked, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. “He worked extremely hard to put himself in a solid position going into spring training after recovering from Tommy John surgery. Without a certainty of a Major League place, he smashed through the door this spring and went on to enjoy a fantastic rookie season. Luis matured and developed during the year, becoming one of the mainstays of our rotation. I’m excited to see what the future holds for such a bright young pitcher.”
Luis Gil recovered from Tommy John surgery that he had in 2022. Previously, he appeared briefly with the Yankees in 2021, demonstrating flashes of his talent. He sustained the injury that required surgery in 2022 after only pitching in one major league game, and he subsequently appeared in only two minor league games in 2023. Gil was not considered for the starting rotation or even a bullpen slot in 2024 until spring training, when he appeared to be in good shape. When Gerrit Cole injured his elbow, Gil pitched so brilliantly in the spring that he took up the rotation place.
Gil had a bit of an up-and-down season, struggling in the summer months but finishing strong in September. He outperformed not only Cowser, but even Yankees colleague Austin Wells.
Luis Gil’s future prospects with the Yankees after winning Rookie of the Year
The 2024 season was a huge triumph for Gil, one that few could have imagined. He has demonstrated good strikeout ability, but he occasionally battles with command and walks hitters. Improving his command will be critical to his job success. It will also be fascinating to observe how the Yankees control his innings in 2025, given he threw significantly more in 2024 than in any of his previous seasons.
Gil appears to be a crucial part of the Yankees’ rotation as it stands. He has the potential to be as excellent as the No. 2 starter in the rotation behind Gerrit Cole, but there is also the danger of regression. For the time being, Gil and the Yankees will be celebrating this honour.