Carlos Rodón has become a defining story for the New York Yankees this season. In a standout performance against the Chicago Cubs, the left-hander delivered 7.2 scoreless innings, helping secure an emphatic 8-0 win. When manager Aaron Boone approached the mound after 103 pitches, Rodón made it clear—he wasn’t finished. Moments later, he retired Kyle Tucker to cap off the eighth, sealing one of his strongest outings of the season.
But this game was about more than just dominant pitching—it symbolized Rodón’s resurgence and the Yankees’ evolving identity as the season pushes into its critical second half.
From Struggles to Stability
Rodón’s debut year in pinstripes was nothing short of turbulent. Hampered by injuries and inconsistency, he finished 2023 with a disappointing 6.85 ERA over 14 starts. The transition to New York, a city known for its unforgiving spotlight, was rough. “I wasn’t good when I first got here,” he admitted, offering a candid reflection on his early challenges.
That kind of transparency resonates. Like many people starting a new chapter—whether in sports, work, or life—Rodón had to regroup and rethink his approach. With guidance from Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake, he retooled his strategy heading into 2024, reducing reliance on his fastball-slider combo and developing confidence in his changeup. “The game changed,” Rodón said, highlighting a mindset shift crucial to his turnaround.
A Resilient Return
That shift paid off. In 2024, Rodón bounced back to form and played a key role in helping the Yankees clinch the American League title. One of his most defining moments came during the ALCS, where a commanding outing against the Guardians proved he could thrive under postseason pressure.
Now in 2025, Rodón is continuing that upward trend. Through 20 starts, he’s logged a 10-6 record and a 3.08 ERA—stats that place him among the top pitchers in the American League. His evolving pitch mix, including a reduced fastball usage down to 40%, has added unpredictability to his game and made him a tougher matchup.
Challenges Ahead for the Yankees
The Yankees currently sit at 53-43, positioning themselves as postseason contenders. But their path isn’t without obstacles. While power hitters like Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger have delivered at times, the team has struggled with runners in scoring position—a recurring flaw that could haunt them in tight playoff games.
The pitching rotation, led by Rodón and Max Fried, has been a strength, but injuries continue to test their depth. Clarke Schmidt is out for the season, and the team is counting on the returns of Luis Gil and emerging arms like Cam Schlittler to keep the momentum going.
The bullpen remains a work in progress. While relievers like Devin Williams and Luke Weaver have shown flashes of dominance, consistency has been elusive. As the playoff push intensifies, finding a stable bullpen formula will be critical.
A Symbol of Adaptability
Rodón’s comeback isn’t just about pitching mechanics or stat sheets—it’s a reflection of perseverance and adaptability. He embodies the very traits the Yankees must embrace as a whole if they hope to contend deep into October.
“We have a really good club with tremendous capabilities,” said Boone. But turning potential into success will require urgency, execution, and continued evolution—both from veterans like Rodón and from the team as a collective.
The Yankees’ journey is far from over, but if Rodón’s resurgence is any indication, this team still has chapters left to write—and they just might end in the Bronx come fall.
Image Source: Carlos Rodon @ Instagram
