The New York Yankees don’t hand out massive contracts without expecting major returns. When they gave Carlos Rodón a six-year, $162 million deal, it wasn’t just for his arm — it was a bet on dominance.
But after a rough 2023 campaign that looked more like a series of lowlights, questions emerged about whether the Yankees’ investment had already backfired.
Rodón’s debut season in New York was a disaster. Injuries limited his time on the mound, and when he did pitch, a bloated 6.85 ERA left fans frustrated and analysts skeptical.
It wasn’t just the numbers — his command faltered, confidence dipped, and boos echoed louder with each outing.
He rebounded somewhat in 2024, posting a 3.96 ERA with 195 strikeouts. It was a step forward, but postseason nerves reminded everyone he still wasn’t delivering at the level his contract implied.
The new season opened with inconsistency. Rodón flashed the talent that once made him a star, only to follow it with innings that spiraled out of control. Just a few starts ago, his ERA had crept above 5.00 — a troubling déjà vu.
But then, something shifted.
Rodón has recently looked like a different pitcher. After stringing together three strong starts — including a standout performance in Baltimore with six innings, two hits, seven strikeouts, and only two earned runs — he’s emerging as a dominant force again
According to Fireside Yankees on X, Rodón now leads the American League in both strikeouts (52) and opponent batting average (.152). That’s not just improvement — that’s elite-level production.
In his last 19 innings, he’s recorded a 0.95 ERA, 24 strikeouts, and only seven walks. His 2.34 FIP suggests these results are no fluke.
Rodón’s fastball-slider combo has long been his foundation, but a newly effective changeup has added a layer of unpredictability. The ability to mix overpowering heat with deceptive off-speed pitches is keeping hitters off-balance — and giving him the upper hand in nearly every at-bat.
Of course, caution remains. Rodón showed signs of dominance last season too before fading in the second half. But this version appears more polished — more balanced between raw power and sharp execution.
If he can stay on track, he may yet fulfill the lofty expectations tied to his contract — and silence the doubters along the way.