Yankees rookie looks unrecognizable in talk show appearance just 1 month after season

Just about one month ago, Luis Gil was on the mound for the New York Yankees delivering a modicum of hope — well, not exactly. What's that word for that thing when stuff is almost completely hopeless, but not technically hopeless? And you choose to embrace one brief glimmer of joy mostly just because you're so tired of despair? Yeah, it was that. The Yankees won Game 4 of the World Series 11-4, and it felt like that.

Gil brought much-needed swagger to the team all year, filling in brilliantly for Gerrit Cole in the campaign's early months, then fighting through a few different rookie walls down the stretch. He wasn't the best version of himself in October. His stuff had regressed just a bit from its peak, making his control issues all the more glaring.

Still, though, he gutted through a series of successful postseason starts, helping the Yankees win an essential Game 4 of the ALCS, as well as the season-extender in the Fall Classic. He was rewarded for his efforts with an upset Rookie of the Year win over Colton Cowser of the Baltimore Orioles.

Entering the Thanksgiving holiday, Gil appeared on "Foul Territory" to discuss his season and what he'd learned from current teammates like Gerrit Cole, as well as past partners like Luis Severino. And, in only a month, he's really grown that hair out.

Yankees Rookie of the Year Luis Gil looks completely different in "Foul Territory" appearance

Full beard. Different 'do. Is this Gil, or Johnny Cueto? Please be Gil. We don't have enough rotation depth to weather trading his electric right arm for a 38-year-old model.

How did he grow all that in a month?! Where was it hiding? Honestly almost more impressive than his franchise rookie strikeout record. Also, El Duque would kill for that much lettuce.

Hopefully, Gil returns next season ready to continue to embrace his fun-loving side, livening up the dugout while placing full faith in his ridiculous arsenal. The more confident he was last year to, say, use his changeup in big spots, the better his heater played up, especially atop the zone.

If his offseason look is anything to base it on, he's clearly entering 2025 with renewed belief in himself. Either that, or he's already been traded to Cincinnati.