As the early months of baseball unfold, pitchers across the league are fine-tuning their mechanics under the Florida sun, hoping to find that perfect balance before the games count. For Luis Gil of the New York Yankees, this spring has been about reconnecting with his core strength: commanding the strike zone.
In a recent Grapefruit League matchup, Gil showcased his skills against a Philadelphia Phillies lineup featuring several regulars. Over 3.1 innings, he displayed efficient aggression, allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits while striking out four. Most notably, he issued zero walks-a significant achievement for a pitcher who has often battled with command.
Gil's performance is a nod to his 2024 season, when he earned the American League Rookie of the Year honors with a 3.50 ERA and 171 strikeouts. Reflecting on his goals, Gil, through interpreter Marlon Abreu, expressed his desire to surpass his past achievements: “I would probably say, ‘Break my own records from 2024 and keep improving.
Whatever those numbers are, if I’m able to break those, I’ll be happy with those. … I think we’re trending in the right way, and I feel like we’re getting close.”
His fastball remains a force, averaging 95.5 mph and peaking at 97.3 mph. While it didn't produce its usual swings-and-misses, the velocity was impressive. Complementing his heater, Gil's secondary pitches-particularly his slider and changeup-kept the Phillies guessing and off balance.
The 2025 season was a challenge, despite a solid 3.32 ERA, as Gil struggled with control and a dip in strikeouts. This year, he aims to refine his arsenal.
“What you’re looking for at this time of camp is, you want to sustain the velo,” Gil explained. “I’m happy.
I feel that I keep getting better, stronger and sharper. You’re seeing the results of all the hard work.”
With 11.1 innings under his belt this spring, Gil boasts a promising 15 strikeouts to just three walks. This suggests he’s no longer battling himself, focusing instead on attacking the zone with precision.
As the Yankees look toward Opening Day, they hope this version of Gil-combining power with finesse-will be the one to take the mound when the season begins. If he can maintain his command and bring back the swing-and-miss element of his fastball, Gil could be a formidable presence in the Yankees' rotation.