The Yankees’ rookie pitcher Luis Gil has been named Baseball Digest’s 2024 American League Pitcher of the Year, becoming only the third Yankee in franchise history to receive the honor, joining Derek Jeter and Aaron Judge. The award, announced Thursday, is determined by an 11-member panel of baseball writers and broadcasters. In the National League, the honor went to another standout rookie pitcher, Pittsburgh Pirates’ Paul Skenes. Yankees’ catcher Austin Wells also received votes for the Baseball Digest’s Rookie of the Year.
Gil, who was traded to the Yankees in 2018 for outfielder Jake Cave, made his MLB debut in 2021. After missing the 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery, he returned for two Minor League appearances in 2023. The 26-year-old right-handed pitcher was named as a starter in 2024 to cover for Gerrit Cole’s early-season absence, and finished the season as a World Series starter.
Luis Gil speaks about pitching in the World Series for the first time, saying it was better than what he had dreamed. #YANKSonYES pic.twitter.com/vbRNYdW8CM
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) October 30, 2024
Luis Gil’s 2024 Highlights
Gil finished the season with a 15-7 record, a 3.50 ERA, and 171 strikeouts over 29 starts (151 2/3 innings) for the Yankees. In May, the 26-year-old excelled, posting a remarkable 0.70 ERA across six starts, covering 38 2/3 innings, with 44 strikeouts and 12 walks.
In 17 of his 29 starts, Gil allowed no more than one run, tying him with Tigers’ left-hander Tarik Skubal and White Sox’s Garrett Crochet for the most such starts in MLB this season. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Gil’s 17 starts allowing one or zero runs are the second most by a rookie in MLB history, trailing only the 21 starts by the Phillies’ George McQuillan in 1908. With 171 strikeouts in 2024, Gil recorded the second-highest single-season strikeout total by a Yankees rookie in franchise history, trailing only Russ Ford’s 209 in 1910.
The BBWAA Rookie of the Year Award winners will be announced on Nov. 18.
Other BBWAA Awards
Nov. 18: Jackie Robinson Rookies of the Year
Nov. 19: Managers of the Year
Nov. 20: Cy Young Awards
Nov. 21: MVP Awards
Other Awards
Roberto Clemente Award – already announced (Salvador Perez, Kansas City Royals)
Rawlings Gold Glove Awards – already announced
Nov. 12: Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Awards (Yankees finalists include: Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Giancarlo Stanton, and Gleyber Torres)
Nov. 14: Hank Aaron Award
