Yankees vs. Mets: Spring Training Highlights and Key Takeaways
In a spirited Grapefruit League matchup, the Yankees fell to the Mets, 6-4. While the scoreboard might not have favored the Yankees, the game offered plenty of intriguing insights, especially for those of us looking beyond the final score.
Luis Gil's Promising Start
Luis Gil took the mound for his first outing of the 2026 Spring Training season, and he showed some promising signs. Despite a dip in his usual fastball velocity, sitting around 94-95 MPH, Gil delivered a performance that should leave Yankees fans optimistic.
He was sharp, striking out four batters over 2.2 innings without issuing a single walk. His command was notably improved, with a 60% first-pitch strike rate and being in the zone 54% of the time.
These are encouraging numbers for this stage of the season.
What's particularly exciting about Gil's performance was the movement on his pitches. His fastball showed an extra inch of vertical movement compared to last season, suggesting he's getting more consistent backspin.
The slider also had more depth and lateral movement, hinting at a potential game-changer if he can maintain that sweeper shape. His changeup remained a plus pitch, offering good movement for inducing whiffs or soft contact.
While it's not yet time for Gil to dazzle front office personnel, there's an urgency for him to continue refining his strike-throwing skills to secure his spot in the rotation.
Cade Winquest's Mixed Bag
Cade Winquest, aiming to make a mark in the bullpen, had an outing that left room for both optimism and questions. He allowed one run over 1.1 innings, courtesy of a home run by Luis Torrens. On the positive side, Winquest's four-seamer looked promising, averaging 16.5 inches of induced vertical break, which could make it a formidable weapon at the top of the zone.
However, consistency was an issue. His sinker varied significantly from pitch to pitch, ranging from 93 MPH to a more impressive 95 MPH with nearly two feet of run. This inconsistency raises questions about his ability to maintain shape and velocity throughout the season.
If Winquest can find that consistency and push his fastball back to the ~96 MPH range, he could become a valuable asset for the Yankees in 2026.
Looking Ahead
While the Yankees didn't come out on top, the performances of Gil and Winquest provided valuable insights into their potential roles this season. As Spring Training progresses, all eyes will be on these pitchers to see if they can build on their early showings and solidify their places in the Yankees' plans.