Carlos Rodón was always known as an above-average MLB starter.
After his impressive 2021 and 2022 seasons with the Chicago White Sox and San Francisco Giants, respectively, the Yankees decided to sign him to a six-year, $162 million contract in free agency.
However, this signing did not begin well for Rodón. Some saw the Southpaw’s first two seasons in pinstripes as lackluster and not worth the large contract he was given.
From 2022 to 2023, Rodon’s ERA and WHIP jumped massively, and his strikeout numbers dropped a lot as well. Injuries at the beginning and end of the season also did not help the starting pitcher. Rodón ended the season with a record of 3-8.
Rodón spoke on The Show Podcast with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman about how mentally draining that season was for him.
“It was rough. Long drives home, a lot of time in my head, thinking about what’s wrong, why can’t I make this better.” Rodón said. “I wish I was better at the time. But I wasn’t.
At that point, Rodón realized he needed to evolve in some way. One change he made was to his pitch arsenal.
For most of his career, Rodón was known for just his fastball and slider. However, he has been able to add three new pitches: A curveball, a sinker, and a changeup.
To most, that would seem difficult for a pitcher, let alone one who has been in the league for several years. But that is where Rodón’s mental fortitude shone.
“I don’t give up. I never really have,” Rodón said, “it’s just not in my nature.”
That attitude helped him become a better player, and it has shown.
Now with his new pitching repertoire, Rodón has had a stellar start to the season. He has the fewest Hits per nine innings in the American League. His record this season sits at 7-3 with a 2.60 ERA and a WHIP of .94
The lefty has helped the Yankees get off to a strong start, sitting atop the AL East standings. But Rodón and the Yankees still have one goal in mind. Making it back to the World Series.
Rodón believes that this team has what it takes to make it back.
“I think we have a better team this year. Rodón said, “Obviously, we still have to get there. So there’s still games to be won.”
