After signing Carlos Rodon to a six-year, $162 million contract, the Yankees expected him to be a linchpin in their rotation. However, his continued unreliability on the mound has cast doubts over his role in the team’s long-term success. His failure in the 2023 season was a rude shock as the two-time All-Star pitcher stumbled. In 2024, the result was far behind the anticipated result and he remained highly unpredictable.
Rodon’s tenure in pinstripes has been far from the ace-level performance the Yankees envisioned, leaving the franchise grappling with one of its biggest vulnerabilities heading into 2025.
Rodon’s rocky start: Injuries and inconsistency
Carlos Rodon’s Yankees journey started on the wrong foot. A forearm strain sidelined him for the first three months of the 2023 season. By the time he made his debut in July, fans eagerly anticipated the ace who had dazzled in previous stints with the Chicago White Sox and San Francisco Giants. What followed, however, was a season marred by inconsistency and underwhelming performances.
In his debut season with the Yankees, Rodon posted an alarming 6.85 ERA across 14 starts, allowing 15 home runs in just 64.1 innings. For context, this was far removed from the elite pitcher who had recorded a sub-3.00 ERA in consecutive seasons prior to joining the Yankees. His WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) ballooned to 1.45, a stark contrast to the 1.02 he managed with the Giants in 2022.
Falling short of expectations in 2024
After a disastrous 2023 season marked by injuries and poor performance, hopes were high that 2024 would be a bounce-back year for Rodon. Unfortunately, the results told a different story. Despite flashes of brilliance, inconsistency remained a theme, punctuated by a concerning 4.98 ERA over 27 starts. While Rodon’s strikeout ability was still evident—averaging 9.8 strikeouts per nine innings—his struggles with command and an alarming home run rate hampered his effectiveness.
The Yankees’ pitching staff, already under scrutiny for failing to perform in critical moments, leaned heavily on Rodón to stabilize the rotation behind ace Gerrit Cole. But his inability to deliver consistently left the team scrambling to plug holes, often relying on less-experienced pitchers to carry the load.
Yankees fanbase losing patience
The Bronx faithful, known for their high expectations and passion, have been vocal about Rodon’s lackluster performances. Social media platforms became an outlet for frustrated fans who questioned the wisdom of such a massive investment. Comments like “His contract looks like an albatross” and “We need an ace, not a liability” became commonplace for the last two seasons.
Even the media spotlight has been harsh. Analysts and commentators have openly questioned whether Rodon’s struggles are a sign of permanent decline or simply a rough adjustment period. As former Yankee David Cone aptly noted, “New York is a tough place to pitch, and the expectations can magnify every mistake.”
Financial implications: The weight of the contract
Rodon’s six-year deal, one of the most lucrative contracts for a starting pitcher, looms large over the Yankees’ payroll. With five years and $135 million still owed to him, the front office faces an unenviable predicament. Moving the contract is nearly impossible without eating a significant portion of the salary, and relying on Rodón to bounce back feels like a risky gamble.
This financial burden is further magnified by the Yankees’ need to stay competitive while adhering to the $301 million luxury tax threshold. Every dollar tied up in an underperforming player limits the team’s flexibility to address other glaring needs, such as bullpen depth or additional offensive firepower.
What’s behind the struggles?
Rodon’s struggles can be attributed to a mix of factors. First, his inability to stay healthy has disrupted any rhythm or consistency he might develop. Pitching in New York comes with its unique pressures, and the adjustment to the bright lights and scrutiny of the Bronx has proven challenging for many before him.
There’s also the matter of mechanical adjustments. Analysts have pointed out that Rodon’s delivery lacked the same sharpness and command that made him so effective in 2022. His fastball, once a dominant weapon, has been far less effective, leading to a spike in home runs allowed.
The 2024 season offered marginal improvements but fell short of redemption. Rodon managed to stay healthy for most of the season but posted a middling 4.75 ERA in 25 starts. While this was an improvement from 2023, it still wasn’t reflective of the ace-level pitcher the Yankees signed.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone remained optimistic, saying, “Carlos is putting in the work. We’ve seen flashes of what he’s capable of, and we believe he can still be that guy for us.” But optimism doesn’t win championships, and stretches of mediocrity have overshadowed Rodón’s flashes of brilliance.
Injury concerns linger
Injuries have been a recurring theme throughout Rodon’s career, and the Yankees are paying a hefty price for his fragile durability. After missing a significant portion of 2023 with a forearm strain, his 2024 campaign also saw stints on the injured list due to recurring back issues. This pattern of injuries raises questions about whether Rodón can handle the physical demands of being a top-tier starter over a 162-game season.
As the Yankees look ahead to 2025, managing Rodon’s health becomes a critical priority. But with no guarantee of sustained availability, the team may need to explore backup options or risk overextending their bullpen when Rodón falters.
2025 and beyond: Can Rodon redeem himself?
As the Yankees prepare for the 2025 season, the question looms: Can Carlos Rodon turn it around? At 32 years old, he is entering the middle stages of his career, and while a bounce-back isn’t out of the question, it becomes increasingly unlikely with each passing season.
Despite the setbacks, there remains a glimmer of hope. Rodon’s raw talent is undeniable, and he has shown the ability to dominate in the past. A fully healthy offseason and renewed focus could help him find the consistency the Yankees so desperately need. However, time is running out for Rodón to prove that he can be the dependable starter the Yankees envisioned when they signed him.
The Yankees’ front office is reportedly working closely with the pitching staff to address Rodon’s mechanics and confidence. They’ve also hired new training personnel to reduce the risk of injuries. Whether these efforts will bear fruit remains to be seen.
Carlos Rodon’s tenure with the Yankees so far has been a frustrating saga of missed expectations and underwhelming performances. While there is hope for a turnaround, the patience of the Yankees’ fanbase and front office is wearing thin. If Rodon fails to find his form in 2025, his contract could go down as one of the most regrettable in Yankees history.
The Yankees’ championship aspirations may very well hinge on whether Carlos Rodon can rise to the occasion or continue to be the team’s Achilles’ heel.
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