BREAKING: New York Yankees’ Luis Gil, Austin Wells Named AL Rookie of the Year Finalists

Starting pitcher Luis Gil and catcher Austin Wells both had stellar seasons with the New York Yankees, but Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser is also up for AL Rookie of the Year.
Sep 22, 2024; Oakland, California, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Luis Gil (81) delivers a pitch against the Oakland Athletics in the first inning at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
Sep 22, 2024; Oakland, California, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Luis Gil (81) delivers a pitch against the Oakland Athletics in the first inning at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. / Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

The New York Yankees won the AL East and snapped a 15-year pennant drought this season, and their two breakout rookies have been recognized for their respective contributions.

The Baseball Writers’ Association of America revealed the finalists for all of its top MLB honors on Monday, including AL Rookie of the Year. Starting pitcher Luis Gil and catcher Austin Wells were both included as finalists alongside Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser.

Gil was already named AL Rookie of the Year by Baseball Digest last week, and he remains the favorite to take home the BBWAA hardware.

The only Yankees to win Rookie of the Year in the last 43 years gave been Aaron Judge in 2017 and Derek Jeter in 1996.

Gil, 26, actually made his MLB debut back in 2021. He made six starts for the Yankees that season, then one more in 2022 before injuring him elbow and undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Upon his return to the big leagues in 2024, Gil went 15-7 with a 3.50 ERA, 1.193 WHIP, 171 strikeouts and a 3.1 WAR. If he hadn’t led all of MLB with 77 walks, his stat line would look even more impressive.

The Yankees won both times Gil took the mound in October, even if he gave up six earned runs, eight hits and five walks across 8.0 postseason innings.

Wells had a similarly shaky playoff run, batting .120 with a .460 OPS, but AL Rookie of the Year is a regular season award.

In 115 games, Wells hit .229 with 13 home runs, 55 RBI, a .718 OPS and a 2.5 WAR. He provided solid defensive behind the plate as well, posting 11 defensive runs saved and a 1.2 defensive WAR.

Gil and Wells are now tasked with fending off Cowser in the awards race and preventing the Orioles from claiming a second consecutive Rooke of the Year. The 24-year-old outfielder hit .242 with 24 home runs, 69 RBI, nine stolen bases, a .768 OPS and a 3.1 WAR.

The two most notable AL rookies who missed Monday’s final cut were Boston Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu and Oakland Athletics closer Mason Miller. Abreu finished the year with 15 home runs, a .781 OPS and a 3.4 WAR, while Miller had a 2.49 ERA, 28 saves and a 2.4 WAR.

Miller was named AL Rookie of the Year by The Sporting News.

The BBWAA will announce its AL and NL Rookie of the Year winners on Nov. 18.

Related Posts

Juan Soto Rumors: MLB Insider Provides Massive Update on Dodgers’ Interest in Potential $700 Million Star

The Los Angeles Dodgers are one of the many teams checking in on superstar outfielder Juan Soto in free agency. Soto is expected to sign the largest contract…

SHOCKING NEWS: Dodgers Legend Fernando Valenzuela‘s Cause of Death Has Been Revealed

Sandy Hooper-USA TODAY via Imagn Images Legendary Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela died of septic shock, according to his death certificate. Valenzuela passed away last month at…

BREAKING: Dodgers Star Could Dump L.A. To Join Red Sox On Projected $71M Deal

Boston has the means to swing a deal for the Dodgers star slugger Oct 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez…

Dodgers Making $100 Million Changes to Dodger Stadium Following 2024 Season

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced on social media that they will conduct renovations on Level One of Dodger Stadium this offseason. These renovations will include renovating the clubhouse, and…

Yankees approaching another misstep after Aaron Boone’s recent comments

World Series – Los Angeles Dodgers v New York Yankees – Game 5 / Alex Slitz/GettyImages Aaron Boone is returning as manager of the New York Yankees…

UPDATE: Yankees Have This Crucial Advantage in Juan Soto Sweepstakes

The Yankees have a rather unexpected and convenient advantage in their pursuit of Soto. Oct 29, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto…