The New York Yankees’ standout 2024 season, marked by their AL East crown and an end to a 15-year pennant drought, gained further distinction as two of their emerging talents were honored as finalists for MLB’s top awards.
The Baseball Writers’ Association of America announced Yankees rookies Luis Gil and Austin Wells among the finalists for AL Rookie of the Year, joining Baltimore’s Colton Cowser in the running. Gil, who recently received Baseball Digest’s AL Rookie of the Year award, is widely viewed as the frontrunner for the BBWAA award.
A win for either Yankee would be significant, as only two Yankees—Aaron Judge in 2017 and Derek Jeter in 1996—have claimed the award in the last 43 years.
Yankees’ Gil ahead of mate Wells, O’s Cowser
Gil’s rise to Rookie of the Year contention is especially compelling. After a promising debut in 2021 and a lone start in 2022, an elbow injury requiring Tommy John surgery stalled his progress. His 2024 comeback season, however, has been remarkable. Gil recorded a 15-7 record with a 3.50 ERA, 171 strikeouts, and a 3.1 WAR. His performance has been lauded, with a league-high 77 walks as the only notable flaw in an otherwise stellar season.
Despite uneven postseason outings, Yankees rookies Luis Gil and Austin Wells clinched spots as finalists for the AL Rookie of the Year, largely due to their regular-season achievements. Gil, who gave up six earned runs over eight innings in two October wins, and Wells, who struggled with a .120 batting average and .460 OPS in the playoffs, showed enough promise during the season to remain strong contenders.
Wells rounded out his rookie year with a .229 batting average, 13 home runs, and 55 RBIs across 115 games, posting a .718 OPS and a 2.5 WAR. His defensive work also stood out, recording 11 defensive runs saved and a 1.2 defensive WAR, strengthening his case for the award.
The pair will compete with Baltimore’s Colton Cowser, whose 24 home runs, 69 RBIs, nine stolen bases, .768 OPS, and 3.1 WAR reflect his impact. Cowser, at 24, hopes to extend the Orioles’ streak for the award.
Noteworthy absences from the final ballot include Boston’s Wilyer Abreu, who ended with 15 homers, a .781 OPS, and 3.4 WAR, and Oakland closer Mason Miller, who maintained a 2.49 ERA with 28 saves and a 2.4 WAR, earning The Sporting News AL Rookie of the Year honors.
The Baseball Writers’ Association of America will announce the winners of the American and National League Rookie of the Year on November 18.
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