The New York Yankees were left with an incomplete starting rotation after Gerrit Cole reported issued with his pitching elbow. The reigning AL CY Young pitcher was diagnosed with nerve inflammation but escaped Tommy John surgery which could have ruled him out for the rest of the year.
That being said, the Yankees pursued external options, including two-time CY Young awardee Blake Snell. However, a deal couldn’t materialize due to conflict on monetary demands. Moreover, the Yanks also tried to reunite with a formidable ex-Yankee starter. But the sweepstakes fell apart as he signed elsewhere this week.
Jordan Montgomery Signs With The Arizona Diamondbacks!
After a prolonged free agency sweepstakes that stretched until the end of the spring season, World Series champion Jordan Montgomery agreed to a one-year $25 million contract with Arizona Diamondbacks. The deal is pending physicals and includes a vesting option for 2025. With that, the New York Yankees missed out on their final rotation reinforcement hope. The Bronx Bombers were heavily invested in Montgomery for a potential reunion. However, a deal couldn’t materialize due to bad blood between the two parties. Notably, the Yanks traded the pitcher back in 2022, saying that he wasn’t ready for the postseason. However, Jordan refined his skills to win a championship with the Texas Rangers last year. That prompted NYY to pursue a reunion.
But as one would imagine, the Yanks were never the pitcher’s first choice. Instead, Jordan Montgomery planned to extend his stay in Texas. Unfortunately, that deal also couldn’t come through due to the pitcher’s three-figure salary ambition. As per rumors, Jordan sought a Carlos Rodo-esque deal. But they clearly failed to fetch a similar deal and settled for a short-term option with Diamondbacks. Earlier, the Bombers also missed out on Blake Snell after weeks-long negotiations. Snell also sought a long-term $270 million deal as a two-time CY Young pitcher. However, due to a lack of suitors, Snell has to settle for a two-year deal with the San Francisco Giants. With only two days left for opening day, the New York Yankees were left with no option but to seek internal reinforcement. Aaron Boone chose to promote a promising minor league rookie into the starting rotation who impressed the camp in recently concluded spring training.
Yankees Promote Luis Gil Into Opening Day Rotation!
After exhausting every option, the New York Yankees handed a much-deserved promotion to minor league starter Luis Gil. The pitcher will be starting as the fifth starter on the Yank’s opening-day roster. Gil performed exceptionally well in spring training and caught management’s much-needed attention. And Gerrit Cole’s injury worked as a blessing in disguise.
That being said, its unclear when Luis Gil will make in debut in pinstripes. With Nestor Cortes slated to start on opening day, Carlos Rodon and Marcus Stroman are likely to participate in Houston Astros series. It would be interesting to see how Luis Gil adapts and fits into the major league madness as a Yankee with utmost pressure and expectations.
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