$162 Million Yankee Pitcher Breaks Silence After Terrible 2023 Performance
Last winter, Carlos Rodón, a starting pitcher, inked a six-year, $162 million contract with the New York Yankees. Sadly, he didn’t have the season he had hoped for in the pinstripes.
The left-handed pitcher was restricted to just 14 starts and 64.1 innings due to many stints on the disabled list. Rodón had a dismal outing on the mound as well, recording a 6.85 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, and 64 strikeouts. He discussed his terrible 2023 campaign with Greg Joyce of the New York Post when he was already in Tampa getting ready for the next season.
Before a bullpen session on February 12, he stated, “I just feel like I got some stuff to prove and I want to stay on the field a lot longer than I did last year.”
“I realize I need to improve,” Rodon stated. “Listen, I’ll tell you straight. We are all human. Everything is heard by us. It depends on the individual if that bothers you or whether you genuinely listen to it and act upon it. But after hearing that a thousand times, you will ultimately shatter an egg. It’s difficult, but it’s our responsibility as New York Yankees to maintain our tough front. I know I’m being open and truthful. Fortunately, the season was coming to a close, allowing me to put baseball behind me, move on, and return rejuvenated. Let’s get back to it.
Rodón’s Offseason Was Very Different This Time Around.
The southpaw intends to use the 2024 season to replicate his 2021–2022 success. Rodón received two consecutive selections to the All-Star Game and two consecutive top-six finishes in the Cy Young voting. The southpaw tossed 310.2 innings and finished 27-13 with a 2.67 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 422 strikeouts.
On January 18, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman gave a positive report about Rodón’s offseason. While speaking with Joyce, the pitcher elaborated on how this offseason was unique.
He remarked, “They invest a lot of time and contact with you when they invest a lot of money in you.” Thus, it was satisfactory. Our plan was sound. began tossing early. began working out in the weight room rather early. far earlier than usual. I’ve been throwing a lot to be prepared.
Is He the X-Factor in the Yankees’ Starting Rotation?
After finishing with an 82–80 record in 2023, the Bombers are expected to rebound in 2024. Although Cashman and company have improved the squad, Andy Martino of SNY stated that they wish more had been done for the pitching staff.
On January 18, Cashman stated that the Yankees’ rotation may be strong if all goes according to plan. Furthermore, he stated that he doesn’t want to rely on that. According to FanGraphs’ Roster Resource, the starting five at this time are Rodón, Gerrit Cole, Marcus Stroman, Clarke Schmidt, and Nestor Cortes. With the Chicago White Sox and San Francisco Giants, Rodón may quickly elevate New York’s rotation from decent to exceptional if he can regain some of his All-Star form.
On January 18, Michael Kay of YES Network didn’t hold back while discussing Rodón’s possible influence in 2024. He said via the YES Network’s X account (previously Twitter), “I think he’s going to be a force.” “In my opinion, he’s the Yankees’ most crucial player in terms of helping them advance to the championship level.”
A healthy Carlos Rodón could make the Yankees an entirely different team in 2024, says @RealMichaelKay. pic.twitter.com/OhldJoAePC
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) January 18, 2024
Rodón earned his big payday last winter by signing with the Bombers. Now he’s out to prove in 2024 and beyond that he was worth the investment.
