As the New York Yankees approach the trade deadline with a keen eye on pitching upgrades, their most significant midseason reinforcement could be one already within the organization.
While general manager Brian Cashman is expected to target a starting pitcher, one major arm is quietly working his way back.
Luis Gil, the reigning 2024 AL Rookie of the Year, is progressing in his recovery—and the timing couldn’t be better.
The 26-year-old recently threw a bullpen session and is set to continue building up over the coming weeks.
Manager Aaron Boone said on Saturday that Gil will need to log several more bullpen outings before facing live hitters.
Essentially, Gil will go through a process similar to a full spring training, followed by rehab games. If all goes well, a return by late July or early August seems likely.
A High-Upside Arm for a Postseason Push
Before his spring training injury, Gil was a standout presence, flashing elite strikeout potential and poise beyond his years.
In 151.2 innings last season, he recorded a 3.50 ERA, struck out over 10 batters per nine innings, and posted a 1.19 WHIP.
Opposing hitters struggled across the board—batting just .205 against his fastball, .171 against his slider, and only .179 against his change-up.
Elite Velocity and Command Set Him Apart
Gil’s fastball consistently sits in the upper-90s, averaging 96.6 MPH and placing him in the 88th percentile in velocity.
That mix of velocity and movement makes him more than your average young starter.
He also ranked among the best in strikeout and whiff rates, showcasing true swing-and-miss ability.
Gil’s 78.8% left-on-base rate and 35.6% ground ball rate further demonstrate his ability to manage high-leverage situations.
A Trade-Deadline X-Factor—Without the Trade
Gil could prove to be a game-changing addition for the Yankees—essentially a trade-deadline acquisition that doesn’t cost them a prospect or dime.
If he returns strong, he gives the Yankees a high-upside starter to fortify the rotation.
Add another pitcher at the deadline? Then this rotation starts to look downright fearsome.
Picture a postseason rotation featuring Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil, and a trade pickup.
Still Holding Out for Cole—But Gil Could Be the Bridge
Even without Gerrit Cole, Gil brings what the Yankees have lacked—sheer power and swing-and-miss dominance.
The hope is for his bullpen sessions to transition seamlessly into live action by July, or even sooner if all goes well.
If he comes back throwing like he did last season, Gil could be the under-the-radar ace who propels the Yankees from playoff hopefuls to World Series favorites.
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