The New York Yankees are counting on a comeback season from their young starter, Luis Gil, but there's a catch. Gil's performance last season was a tale of two halves, and it's crucial to understand why.
On paper, Gil's 2025 campaign looked decent. He posted a respectable 3.32 ERA after recovering from a lat strain, and his September was solid, with a 2.93 ERA in five starts. However, the underlying issues became apparent when the Yankees faced the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS. Gil, known for his electric pitching, struggled to get strikeouts, and his velocity was noticeably down.
But here's where it gets controversial... Despite allowing only two earned runs, Gil's performance against the Blue Jays was a red flag. The Jays' hitters were making excellent contact with his fastball, averaging a 95.9 MPH exit velocity, just above Gil's average velocity of 95.8 MPH. This highlighted a significant problem with Gil's pitching arsenal.
Gil's issues with strikeouts were a major concern. His fastball, once a weapon, had lost its edge. According to Fangraphs' Stuff+, Gil's fastball rating dropped from an impressive 108 in 2024 to a mere 101 in 2025, teetering on average to below-average territory. This decline was evident in his strikeout rates, which plummeted from 26.8% to 14.1% for his fastball alone.
And this is the part most people miss... Gil's 2026 season is a make-or-break year. He needs to stay healthy and prove that last season's metrics were a fluke. The Yankees need him to regain his electric form, especially with their ace absent. Baseball is a game of results, and while Gil's determination to play through injury is admirable, the Yankees can't afford another season of diminished performance.
So, will Gil bounce back and reclaim his Rookie of the Year form? Or will the Yankees need to explore other options? What do you think? Join the discussion in the comments and share your thoughts on Gil's future with the Yankees!
