Carlos Rodón has emerged as a pivotal figure for the New York Yankees during the current season. In a recent game against the Chicago Cubs, he showcased his mastery on the mound, throwing 7.2 scoreless innings and leading the Yankees to an 8-0 triumph. Manager Aaron Boone’s decision to approach Rodón after he reached 103 pitches was met with determination; Rodón made it clear he wanted to finish the inning. He clinched the eighth inning by retiring Kyle Tucker, marking one of his finest performances of the season.
A Turning Point Mid-Season
Rodón’s journey this season reflects more than just effective pitching—it’s a narrative of transformation that mirrors the evolution of the Yankees as they move deeper into the season. His inaugural year with the Yankees was characterized by significant hurdles, as injuries and inconsistency plagued his performance, culminating in a disappointing 6.85 ERA over 14 starts. Transitioning into the spotlight of New York is notoriously challenging, and Rodón candidly acknowledged his struggles: “I wasn’t good when I first got here.”
This level of honesty resonates beyond sports; it speaks to anyone facing a new beginning. With support from pitching coach Matt Blake, Rodón reassessed his pitching approach, reducing his reliance on a fastball-slider combination while bolstering his changeup. “The game changed,” he noted, pinpointing a critical mindset shift essential for his resurgence.
Resilience Under Pressure
The fruits of his labor became evident as 2024 unfolded. Rodón rebounded impressively, playing an instrumental role in the Yankees clinching the American League title. His ability to perform under pressure was on full display during the ALCS, especially in a standout performance against the Guardians, reinforcing his capability to thrive in high-stakes situations.
Now in 2025, Rodón continues to build on that momentum. With a record of 10-6 and a commendable 3.08 ERA over 20 starts, he ranks among the top pitchers in the American League. A significant aspect of his evolution is his adjusted pitch mix; his fastball usage has dropped to 40%, making him a more unpredictable and formidable opponent.
Navigating Obstacles
Despite their promising position at 53-43, the Yankees’ trajectory toward the postseason is fraught with challenges. Key players like Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger have delivered numerous clutch hits, but the team’s struggles with runners in scoring position remain a critical concern—one that could prove decisive in tighter playoff matchups.
On the pitching front, while Rodón and Max Fried have anchored the rotation, injuries threaten to undermine the team’s depth, particularly with the loss of Clarke Schmidt for the season. The Yankees are banking on the returns of Luis Gil and the emergence of promising talents like Cam Schlittler to maintain their winning streak.
Strengthening the Bullpen
The bullpen represents another area of ongoing development. While relievers such as Devin Williams and Luke Weaver have demonstrated moments of brilliance, consistency has eluded them. As the intensity of the playoff push escalates, establishing a reliable bullpen mix will be essential.
Embracing Change
Rodón’s resurgence is more than about refining pitching techniques or improving statistics; it encapsulates the spirit of perseverance and adaptability. He symbolizes the broader qualities the Yankees must adopt to contend effectively as the playoffs approach.
Coach Boone encapsulated this sentiment well: “We have a really good club with tremendous capabilities.” However, harnessing that potential will demand urgency, precise execution, and ongoing evolution—not just from Rodón, but from the entire team.
The Yankees’ journey is still unfolding, and if Rodón’s transformation serves as any indication, the story is far from over. With the right approach, the team may find themselves writing an exciting new chapter this fall from the Bronx.
Image Source: Carlos Rodon @ Instagram
