If the New York Yankees are still hesitant about adding another starting pitcher, they should take a look at Luis Gil’s situation. The reigning AL Rookie of the Year recently suffered a high-grade lat strain, sidelining him indefinitely and likely keeping him out until at least June. Concerns about the Yankees’ rotation existed even before spring training, with Clarke Schmidt missing months last season due to a lat strain, Gerrit Cole not pitching until June after an elbow injury, and Carlos Rodón’s history of injuries, including a forearm issue that kept him out from March to July 2023. Given these uncertainties, the Yankees need more depth, and former All-Star Kyle Gibson appears to be the best option.
Yankees fans should recognize Gibson, who spent years as a reliable innings-eater with the Minnesota Twins before moving around the league. A first-round pick in 2009, he holds a 112-108 career record with a 4.52 ERA over 12 seasons across five teams. Now approaching 38, Gibson posted an 8-8 record with a 4.24 ERA in 30 starts for the St. Louis Cardinals last season. While he may not be the most exciting choice on paper, his durability is undeniable—he has made at least 30 starts in seven seasons, including a league-leading 33 in 2023.
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At his best, Gibson is a serviceable, innings-eating pitcher who will take the ball every fifth day without complaint. That’s exactly what the Yankees need, especially after Marcus Stroman made it clear earlier in camp that he wouldn’t accept a bullpen role. With Gil sidelined, Stroman may get his way, but what happens when (or if) Gil returns this summer? There’s no downside to signing Gibson to a minor-league deal—assuming he’s still interested in pitching. Despite remaining unsigned all offseason, the veteran right-hander hasn’t indicated that he’s ready to retire. Just imagine a scenario where the Yankees secure their 28th championship, in part because Kyle Gibson stepped up with crucial starts in the heart of the season. That possibility alone should have the Yankees finding him a spot in Tampa.
