Luis Gil to Begin 2026 Season in Minor Leagues The New York Yankees have confirmed that right-handed pitcher Luis Gil will start the 2026 season in Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre rather than joining the major league bullpen. The 27-year-old, who was named American League Rookie of the Year in 2024, will open the season in the minors after the team opted for a four-man rotation to begin the campaign. Manager Aaron Boone announced the decision on Tuesday, stating that Gil’s goal is to eventually return to the starting rotation when the Yankees need a fifth starter. Gil, who pitched 19 1/3 innings this spring with a 4.66 ERA and 1.29 WHIP, will participate in live throwing sessions in Florida this week before joining the Triple-A team. Boone emphasized that Gil’s physical condition is at its peak, noting that strength and conditioning evaluations have placed him in the best shape of his career. “He’s as strong as he’s ever been,” Boone said, adding that the team hopes his spring performance will translate into success in the minors. The Yankees’ decision to send Gil to the minors was not a reflection of his spring progress, according to Boone. Instead, the manager highlighted the competitive nature of the roster, noting that multiple pitchers are vying for a spot in the rotation. “There’s a lot of people pushing for competition right now that are pushing themselves into the conversation,” Boone said. “That competition is going to remain, so it’s important that [Gil] continues the trajectory he’s been on since the start of camp.” In addition to Gil, the Yankees have finalized their bullpen for 2026, with Cade Winquest, Brent Headrick, and Jake Bird joining the roster. Headrick, a left-handed reliever, posted a 2.#new_york_yankees #aaron_boone #luis_gil #cade_winquest #triple_a_scrantonwilkesbarre
Yankees Option Luis Gil; Rule 5 Pick Cade Winquest Makes Roster The New York Yankees have optioned right-handed pitcher Luis Gil to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, according to Greg Joyce of the New York Post. This move allows the team to free up a bullpen spot, which will be filled by Rule 5 Draft pick Cade Winquest. The Yankees, who have four off-days in the first 12 days of the 2026 season, will skip the fifth starter role a couple of times, giving them flexibility in their rotation. Gil is expected to be recalled when the team needs a fifth starter or if there’s an injury in the rotation. Gil, 27, was named American League Rookie of the Year in 2024 but pitched only 57 innings in 2025 due to a lat strain. During his healthy outings, he posted a 3.32 ERA but struggled with diminished velocity and strikeout rates compared to his 2024 performance. In 2024, he struck out 26.8% of batters with a 12.1% walk rate, but in 2025, those numbers dropped to 16.8% and 13.5%, respectively. This decline in effectiveness has raised concerns about his readiness for a full season. This is Gil’s final minor league option year, though if he is recalled within the first 20 days of the season, the option won’t technically need to be used. He remains under club control through 2028, and spending fewer than 99 days on the roster could delay his free agent eligibility by a season. Gil has pitched in six spring training games, totaling 19 1/3 innings with a 4.66 ERA. While his strikeout rate (29.6%) and walk rate (6.2%) were strong, he allowed six home runs (2.79 HR/9), indicating a need for improved command. Winquest, the Rule 5 pick, will make his major league debut after allowing eight earned runs on 13 hits and four walks with eight strikeouts in 10 spring training innings.#new_york_yankees #luis_gil #greg_joyce #cade_winquest #rule_5_draft
