Carlos Rodon has never been one of the most beloved names on the Yankees roster — and during his outing against the Arizona Diamondbacks, fans in the Bronx are once again torn between disbelief and frustration. On social media, some even labeled him a “bipolar player” — an exaggerated but telling reaction to a career that’s felt more like an emotional rollercoaster.
When Rodon signed a six-year, $162 million contract with the Yankees before the 2023 season, the expectations were sky-high. The plan was simple: pair him with Gerrit Cole to form one of the league’s most dominant pitching duos. The front office was all in, even including a full no-trade clause. But things haven’t exactly gone according to plan.
A promising 2025 debut
In the 2025 season opener against the Milwaukee Brewers, Rodon gave a glimpse of what he could be. He tossed 5.1 solid innings, allowing just one run, striking out seven, and earning the win in a 4-2 Yankees victory. For fans still haunted by his injury-riddled 2023 season — which ended with a brutal 6.85 ERA — it felt like the beginning of redemption.
Against Arizona, another wild ride
But that optimism didn’t last. In his next start, still underway against the Diamondbacks, the old issues reappeared. Rodon was hit hard in the first two innings, and frustration quickly boiled over. He ultimately completed 6 innings, allowing 3 hits, 4 earned runs, 4 walks, and collecting 5 strikeouts on 96 pitches. “This guy is a mystery,” one fan wrote on X. Another put it more bluntly: “You just can’t trust Rodon.”
Fans on X didn’t hold back. Zoe wrote in all caps, “WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?” Colin McNamara added sarcastically, “Rodon finally locks in — four innings too late.” Others questioned whether he was okay, mocked his reliance on a “trash curveball,” and begged him to stop throwing so many four-seam fastballs. One fan summed it up: “I hate watching Carlos Rodon pitch.” Another ranted: “Rodon, you are terrible.” Amid the chaos, someone joked, “Might have to turn this game off for my mental health.”
And yet, somehow, the mood shifted. By the sixth inning, Carlos Rodon had retired 10 straight batters, showing poise and command. “He’s actually pitching well now,” one fan admitted. But for many, it was too little, too late. “Where was this the first two innings?” asked another. “Can we hit now?” one user tweeted. “Yankees scoring against good pitching — impossible challenge,” another joked. The Yankees were still trailing 4-0, and the offense looked lifeless. While Rodon had steadied the ship, it didn’t feel like enough.
To be fair, Carlos Rodon bounced back in 2024, making 32 starts with a respectable 3.96 ERA. He mixed in more changeups and adjusted his pitch mix to neutralize righties. It looked like he had turned a corner.
Even so, inconsistency continues to define him. On Reddit and elsewhere, fans are deeply divided. Some still believe in his upside and urge patience. Others have seen enough. His infamous blown kiss to booing fans in 2023 didn’t help his case either.
Carlos Rodon clearly has the talent. When he’s locked in, he can dominate like few others. But no one — not Aaron Boone, not the front office, and certainly not the fans — knows which version of him will show up.
For a Yankees team trying to contend, having a reliable Carlos Rodon would be a game-changer. For now, though, he remains one of the most polarizing — and unpredictable — figures in the clubhouse.
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