New York Yankees get needed rotation upgrade in Carlos Rodon
The New York Yankees had to do more than bring Aaron Judge and Anthony Rizzo back to take a run at a championship in 2023. They took a step in that direction on Thursday.
According to Jeff Passan from ESPN, the Yankees have taken a major step toward fortifying their rotation. Carlos Rodon has been signed to a six year deal worth $162 million.
New York Yankees add significant upgrade in Carlos Rodon
The Yankees rotation was filled with question marks before this signing. Gerrit Cole and Nestor Cortes provided a strong 1-2 punch for New York, but the rest of the rotation was a gamble. Luis Severino and Domingo German have battled injuries over the past few years. Frankie Montas was a disaster after being acquired from the A’s and was also injured. The Yankees had an opening for an upgrade.
Rodon is the perfect fit. He followed up his breakthrough 2021 season with a strong showing in his one year with the Giants, posting a 2.88 ERA and a 1.028 WHiP over his 178 innings, striking out 237 batters with 52 walks. It has been an impressive turnaround for someone who was barely hanging on to a major league job prior to the 2021 season.
This signing also sends a message to the rest of the game and the Yankees’ fan base. There had been questions about whether or not the Yankees were complacent with simply reaching the postseason, if they had lost the edge that had been there with George Steinbrenner was in charge. Now it is clear that they are looking to win their first title since 2009.
Rodon is not going to fix all of the Yankees’ problems. They still need another outfielder and help in the bullpen. The Yankees should probably attempt to con some team into trading for Josh Donaldson. However, this is a drastic step in the right direction.
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The New York Yankees have added a significant piece to their rotation. Carlos Rodon is heading to the Bronx on a six year deal worth $162 million.