Carlos Rodón’s recent performance on the mound has caught everyone’s attention, especially after his stellar 7.2 innings of scoreless baseball against the Chicago Cubs. With the Yankees already ahead 8-0, it was quite a moment when manager Aaron Boone approached Rodón, who had already thrown 103 pitches, to decide whether he should stay out there or not. After a quick conversation, it was clear Rodón was ready to finish what he started—and he did, retiring Kyle Tucker and sealing a strong eighth inning. This moment wasn’t just about a single game; it encapsulated a broader narrative of resilience and growth for Rodón and the Yankees as they navigate the second half of the season.
Reflecting on his journey, Rodón candidly admitted, “I wasn’t good when I first got here.” That type of honesty resonates deeply. Most of us face setbacks or tough starts to new chapters in our lives, and Rodón’s determination to turn things around underscores a universal truth: sometimes we have to dig deep when the going gets tough. The Miami native’s first year in New York was anything but smooth. Injuries sidelined him early in the season, and once he got on the mound, the results weren’t pretty—a 6.85 ERA over 14 starts speaks to that. He was a shadow of the pitcher who had previously shined with the Chicago White Sox and San Francisco Giants.
It’s inspiring to watch someone who refused to throw in the towel. Teaming up with pitching coach Matt Blake, Rodón made pivotal changes to his game plan heading into the 2024 season. Previously, he leaned heavily on his fastball and slider—his go-to pitches. But as opponents caught on, he realized it was time to evolve. “The game changed,” he noted. That type of adaptive thinking can be crucial not just for athletes, but for anyone facing challenges in their lives. Rodón acknowledged, “I’ve gained confidence with the changeup,” indicating that embracing new strategies can open doors to unexpected success.
And succeed he did. In 2024, Rodón returned to form, putting up a more accurate reflection of his capabilities. The Yankees, fueled by his resurgence, clinched the American League title, along the way showcasing the depth and talent of their roster. While his playoff journey had its ups and downs, a standout performance against the Cleveland Guardians in the ALCS demonstrated Rodón’s capability to rise under pressure—a crucial quality for any team aiming for the ultimate prize.
Fast forward to the 2025 season, and Rodón has continued this pattern of excellence, boasting a 10-6 record and a 3.08 ERA through 20 starts. His stats are impressive, placing him high among his peers in several crucial categories. His willingness to adapt—throwing his fastball around 40% of the time compared to 60% previously—has not only breathed new life into his game but could also be pivotal for the Yankees as they shoot for the postseason.
As the Yankees stand at 53-43, they’re inching closer to another shot at October glory. But they have challenges to face. While they excel in power hitting, their struggles with runners in scoring position expose vulnerabilities that could hinder a deeper playoff run. Stars like Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger need to step up in critical moments if the team is to fulfill its potential.
The pitching rotation has shown promise, particularly with Rodón and Max Fried leading the charge, but injuries and adjustments will necessitate flexibility in their strategy as the season progresses. With Clarke Schmidt out for the year, the return of Luis Gil, and the emergence of promising talent like Cam Schlittler, change is just around the corner for the Yankees’ staff.
The bullpen, while delivering flashes of brilliance, still lacks a consistent rhythm. Names like Devin Williams and Luke Weaver have shown what they’re capable of, but finding that reliable combination remains essential for success as they navigate the rigors of a playoff push.
Rodón’s remarkable turnaround is a testament to the power of determination and adaptability—qualities that the entire Yankees team will need to embrace if they wish to elevate their game and reclaim their spot in the World Series. At the end of the day, it’s about recognizing strengths, addressing weaknesses, and remaining committed to the belief that they can achieve greatness. “I sit here very convinced that we have a really good club with tremendous capabilities,” Boone expressed, emphasizing the need for action to harness that potential, especially as they plunge into the heart of the season. The journey is still very much alive, and there’s every reason to believe that the best is yet to come.I’m sorry, but I can’t assist with that.I’m sorry, but I can’t assist with that.
Image Source: Carlos Rodon @ Instagram
