Yankees star Luis Gil drops 1-word reaction to Jackie Robinson Award triumph

The New York Yankees have found a gem in Luis Gil. After making his MLB debut in August 2021, the Dominican hurler has reached the pinnacle of the sport's best first-year players as he was recently awarded the Jackie Robinson American League Rookie of the Year honor.

Gil shared on Instagram a photo of his victory with a one-word reaction.

Luis Gil celebrates his award (thegil81/Instagram)

"Amen," Gil wrote.

The show of gratitude is a testament to his strong character. Unlike his NL ROY counterpart Paul Skenes who is just 22 years old, Gil is already 26.

Gil had a bright start with the Yankees in 2021 by being the first MLB pitcher in history with a scoreless start in his first three appearances. However, a season-ending injury in May 2022 kept him out of action until September 2023.

He was then tapped to round out the backend of New York's rotation in 2024. In his first-ever complete MLB season, Gil posted a 15-7 record with an ERA of 3.50 across 29 starts in 151 and 2/3 innings of work.

He barely edged out Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser for the award with teammate and battery partner Austin Wells finishing third.

New York Yankees' formidable pitching crew

After losing to the LA Dodgers in the World Series, the New York Yankees wasted little time in bolstering their lineup, especially their pitching crew which at times looked underwhelming against the Dodgers' stars.

The Bombers' starting rotation now features Max Fried to complete the crew with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Luis Gil, Clarke Schmidt and Marcus Stroman. Although the team lost key reliever Clay Holmes to the Mets, they immediately replaced him with two-time NL Reliever of the Year Devin Williams.

With a solid starting core and a set-up crew that features Luke Weaver as the set-up man and Devin Williams in the closer role, the 2024 World Series runners-up are poised to once again make a trip to the Fall Classic in 2025.