Rodon fails to break old pattern, but doesn’t fail to send a bold message to Yankees fans

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The 2025 baseball season brings fresh scrutiny to one of the Yankees’ most significant investments. Carlos Rodon, the $162 million left-hander, finds himself navigating through unexpected turbulence in spring training. Despite a commendable 2024 campaign and his established track record, Rodon’s recent performances have sparked conversations about adjustment periods and the pressure of expectations. His latest outings, marked by experimental changes to his pitching approach, suggest a complex journey ahead as he strives to justify his position in the Yankees’ revamped rotation.

Rodon’s hard contact and early struggles

The statistics from Rodon’s spring training debut against the Toronto Blue Jays paint a concerning picture. In an abbreviated stint lasting just 2.2 innings, the veteran southpaw surrendered five hits and three earned runs while managing only one strikeout. More troubling than the basic statistics was the quality of contact – batters consistently found the barrel, with exit velocities reaching a concerning 110.4 km/h. These numbers indicate that Rodon’s typically deceptive pitch mix failed to keep hitters off balance.

The foundation of his struggles appears rooted in fastball command issues. Rodon’s typical game plan revolves around establishing dominance with elevated fastballs and setting up devastating sliders for swing-and-miss opportunities. However, his spring showing revealed inconsistency in this crucial aspect, despite maintaining his characteristic velocity of around 95 km/h.

Experimentation on the mound

Spring 2025 has witnessed Rodon implementing significant alterations to his arsenal. Most notably, his changeup usage against right-handed batters has increased dramatically, jumping from 15.6% in 2024 to 23% this spring. While this strategic shift demonstrates a commitment to evolution, the adjustment period has brought its share of challenges.

“I set a high standard for myself,” Rodon reflected after his recent start. “I know I can be better. I pitched well last year, but I wouldn’t be the player I am if I didn’t think I could be better than last year and years past. Obviously, there’s a lot of variables that go into that, but I know what I’m capable of and I really want to show the reason why the Yankees signed me.”

Learning from the past: A look back at 2024

The 2024 season marked a significant rebound for Rodon after his injury-plagued 2023 campaign. His statistics tell the story of recovery: 175 innings pitched, a 3.96 ERA, over 10 strikeouts per nine innings, and a 79.2% strand rate. These numbers represented a dramatic improvement from 2023’s challenging 64.1 innings and 6.85 ERA.

This transformation came after a difficult inaugural season in pinstripes, where injuries and inconsistency raised questions about his massive contract. While 2024 restored faith in his abilities, certain moments – particularly a Game 2 World Series start where he allowed four runs in 3.1 innings – indicated room for further improvement.

Playing a supporting role

Within the Yankees’ elite rotation, Rodon occupies a vital but specific niche. Behind ace Gerrit Cole and newly acquired Max Fried – who signed for eight years at $218 million – Rodon’s role as the No. 3 starter demands reliability over dominance.

“For sure, I hope Max is better than me or we’re fighting for it at least,” Rodon said about his fellow southpaw. “Max is a very good pitcher. He gets out. He goes deep in the games. He’s got a high baseball IQ. He knows how to pitch. I’m glad we have Max Fried on our team.”

Their relationship extends beyond competitive respect. “Honestly, I’ve watched Max at the end of January when he got to Tampa and was throwing his bullpens. We’re pretty different even though we’re left-handed. Our pitch mixes, we might throw some of the same pitches, but our shapes are different. We’ve already talked about plenty of things. We pick each other’s brains,” Rodon elaborated.

Rodon’s spring training appearance coincided with another significant Yankees development – the relaxation of their legendary grooming policy. The left-hander, who previously sported substantial facial hair before joining the Yankees, expressed enthusiasm about the change with characteristic humor: “I can’t just pop one out like Austin Wells,” he joked, adding, “It might take me a little while. It’s got to be somewhat kept, but I’ll have something. Not Duck Dynasty, for sure.”

Aaron Boone’s optimism and expectations

Yankees manager Aaron Boone maintains a balanced perspective on Rodon’s early performance. After the spring debut, Boone noted, “I thought he was OK. He got his work in. He was not real sharp with his command, but I thought he executed some pitches too along the way.”

Boone emphasized Rodon’s proven resilience: “He’s had some dominant seasons in his career and he’s in a really good spot physically. We’ve talked about it a lot the last couple of years, what he’s gone through. It’s led him to a really solid routine backed by a really good work ethic. So that’s the hope, but the biggest thing I want him to focus on is the work, the five days, the six days, getting on to the next one, doing what he needs to do in between, and putting himself in a position to go to the post 30 times, 30-plus times. If he does that, the results will be there.”

Adjustments and the pursuit of excellence

When asked if fans had witnessed his best form, Rodon’s response was a concise “No.” This straightforward acknowledgment reflects both his current challenges and future potential. “I’ve been going for a while,” he noted regarding his spring progress. “Obviously, game-speed wise I need to catch up and keep working.”

His path forward focuses on recapturing the precision that defined his successful 2024 campaign while integrating new elements into his arsenal. For a pitcher carrying significant expectations in the Yankees’ rotation, finding this balance is crucial.

Expectations in a competitive environment

Rodon’s early spring challenges reflect the broader complexities of modern baseball, where advanced analytics and constant scrutiny amplify every performance aspect. His experience highlights the delicate balance between innovation and consistency in today’s game.

The Yankees‘ substantial investment underscores their confidence in Rodon’s ability to overcome these temporary setbacks. While early spring results may raise concerns, they represent just one phase in the longer journey of a seasoned professional adapting to evolving challenges.

A season of adaptation and potential

Despite early spring training difficulties, Carlos Rodon’s story remains unfinished. His track record, combined with the Yankees’ robust support system and his own determination to improve, suggests potential for positive development as the season progresses.

The collaboration with teammates like Max Fried, support from manager Aaron Boone, and his own drive for excellence create a foundation for growth. While initial results may not meet expectations, Rodon’s journey exemplifies the constant evolution required in professional baseball.

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes remain on how Rodon will adapt and refine his approach. His success could prove pivotal to the Yankees’ championship aspirations, making his development one of the most compelling narratives in the early baseball season.

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