A big factor in the 2026 New York Yankees pitching staff is right-hander Luis Gil. The pitcher was one of a few who were absent for most of last season. This year, expectations will remain high for Gil. 

The blow to the Yankees’ starting rotation started early in 2025. The first name to go down due to injury was the Bronx Bombers’ ace pitcher, Gerrit Cole. 

Cole underwent Tommy John surgery, which eliminated him for the entire season. The next big blow was more temporary but lengthy. Gil suffered an injury in the spring, and that shut him down for some time. 

He suffered a high-grade lat strain, which sidelined him for six weeks. This timeframe grew with setbacks to about three months. After four months of being on the injured list, Gil made his return on August 3rd.

 

Gil’s Sideline-Stint Took Away Momentum

The right-handed prospect pitcher was highly anticipated in 2025, especially after his 2024 performance. The previous year is what put his profile on the map. 

Gil pitched a phenomenal season in 2024, pulling in a Rookie of the Year victory. He finished his season with a 15-7 record, a 3.50 ERA, 171 strikeouts, and 77 walks over 151 and 2 / 3 innings of work. 

The Yankees knew that he would be a pivotal piece to the rotation in 2025. Gil’s talent would complement their rotation, consisting of not only Cole but also the addition of their secondary ace, Max Fried. 

Unfortunately, due to injury, that didn’t pan out. Instead, on Gil’s return, he was faced with continuous rehab and finding his groove. 

2025 Season

After returning in August, Gil was given minimal time to prepare for potential postseason play. He was still able to salvage 57 innings of work before the postseason, however. 

He faced 123 batters, being on a load-management plan. Gil finished with a 3.32 ERA and a 4-1 record. His overall work in the leading months was not enough to ensure his competitive self was prepared to face the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Division Series. 

The Yankees already had a season-long build of pitchers, including prospect Cam Schlittler. Gil only pitched 2 and 2 / 3 innings in the postseason. Overall, the type of season Gil did not envision. 2026 will be a different story. 

2026 Expectations

With full health, Gil is expected to serve in the rotation and be a pinnacle piece amongst the other big arms. The goal for the right-hander is to get back to his 2024 numbers. He’ll be a mid-rotation arm. 

If all goes well, Gil will post between a 2.0-3.0 WAR with an ERA hovering around 3.20-4.10. A healthy amount of innings for the Yankees former Rookie of the Year is anything between 130 and 170. 

Gil’s seasonal ceiling will read in his depth ability, and where his velocity sits. The starter should be in the late 90s, touching the 100 mark. A turnaround year for Gil will be huge for his stock and for the team’s success.

With the right-hander being a full go for this season, it makes the Yankees rotation a full force.  This will also give the Yankees bullpen some teeth in options.

 

Main Photo Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images