Yankees fans had plenty to say about Carlos Rodon’s latest performance, and it wasn’t all praise. His outing in the 4-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night left many fans venting their frustrations, even though they acknowledged he has improved. However, it’s clear that patience is wearing thin.
Carlos Rodon‘s inconsistency has been a recurring topic of discussion, and his struggles in pivotal moments have only heightened concerns among the fanbase.
Chris Kirschner reports that, following consecutive home runs by the Pirates, Carlos Rodon now ranks second in the majors for most home runs allowed this season.
Carlos Rodon’s inconsistent season draws fan criticism
With the Yankees missing a chance to clinch home-field advantage, the spotlight fell heavily on Carlos Rodon. He started strong, holding the Pirates scoreless through five innings, but the sixth inning was his undoing. Back-to-back home runs by Nick Gonzalez and Bryan Reynolds erased the Yankees’ 2-0 lead and shifted momentum in favor of Pittsburgh. This performance was another instance of Carlos Rodon faltering under pressure, prompting fans to once again question his value to the team.
“Carlos Rodon just isn’t worth the $162 million,” tweeted one fan, summing up the growing sentiment that the Yankees overpaid for a pitcher who has yet to prove himself in critical moments. Rodón’s 3.96 ERA this season is an improvement over his injury-marred 2023, but many fans expected an ace-caliber performance, not simply a step forward.
Home run issues plague Carlos Rodon’s 2024 campaign
The two home runs Carlos Rodón allowed in the sixth had fans fuming, but Alex Verdugo didn’t escape their criticism either. Some fans feel Verdugo tends to give up on plays involving deep hits, which they see as a real problem. Rodon’s struggles only added to the frustration, causing even more backlash.
“You know, all things considered, not a regular season for Carlos Rodon. Definitely not the $162 million pitcher he was with SFG but the kind of guy who hopefully can build on the progression he’s made with his changeup to have a better 2025.” Ryan Garcia’s ESPN posted on social media.
Another echoed the frustration, saying, “He needs to be great in October. I believe in him..” The 31 home runs allowed by Carlos Rodon this season, a career-high, have not gone unnoticed by journalists.
Some fans acknowledged that Carlos Rodon’s 2024 season has been a step forward compared to his injury-plagued 2023. He made a career-high 32 starts and led the Yankees with 175 innings pitched. He also struck out 195 batters while posting a 1.23 WHIP. These numbers show durability, but the overall inconsistency and the inability to deliver under pressure have overshadowed these positives for many in the fanbase.
Despite leading the Yankees in several categories, the sentiment from fans was clear: a 3.96 ERA isn’t enough for a pitcher brought in to be a game-changer. The term “overpaid” was used frequently, with many fans calling on the Yankees to reconsider their investment in Rodón. His inability to perform in key moments, combined with the high price tag, has led some to label his signing as “disastrous.”
With the playoffs looming, Yankees fans are understandably concerned about Carlos Rodon’s ability to step up when it matters most. His inconsistent performances throughout the season have left a shadow of doubt over what was supposed to be a triumphant addition to the pitching staff. For Rodón, the upcoming postseason represents a chance to change the narrative and prove his value to the team. However, until he can deliver in those high-pressure situations, the skepticism among Yankees fans will continue to linger.
For now, Yankees supporters are left hoping that Carlos Rodon can rise to the occasion when it counts the most, but the disappointment from Friday’s performance and the uncertainty it brings to their postseason hopes is palpable. The pressure is on, and Rodón must find a way to rise above it to help push the Yankees towards their ultimate goal.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
I never liked the Rodón signing, even the idea of signing him for anything more than a 3 year deal. Last year, my fears were warranted. This year, he surprised me by taking the ball a career high 32 times. But, I don’t particularly care for the Yankees coaching brain trust, let it be regarding the hitting or the pitching, so that’s not a lot of help to the players.