The New York Yankees are enjoying success in the 2025 season despite the absence of their ace, Gerrit Cole. A key driver of this positive momentum is Carlos Rodon, who has transformed his performance since struggling in his first season with the team.
Rodon had a rocky start to his Yankees career in 2023, posting a record of 3-8 with a 6.85 ERA and only 64 strikeouts over 14 appearances. However, he turned things around significantly in 2024, finishing with a record of 16-9, a 3.96 ERA, and 175 innings pitched while collecting 195 strikeouts. His evolution continued into 2025 as he has excelled with a record of 7-3, an impressive 2.60 ERA, and 90 strikeouts in just 12 starts.
In recent comments, Rodon reflected on his challenging first year in New York and the impact of personal life events, such as welcoming his son, Silo, which helped distract him from the pressures of the game. He acknowledged that those tough times ultimately pushed him to enhance his skill set and repertoire on the mound, making him a more dynamic and complete pitcher. “If it was easy, I think at this moment, I’d still be throwing (only) fastball, slider 50/50,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of growth through adversity.
It’s a testament to Rodon’s resilience that he transformed struggles into an opportunity for growth, thus contributing significantly to the Yankees’ current strong performance. At 32, he has shown remarkable progress, aligning himself as a pivotal player for the team.
This turnaround serves as a reminder that challenges can lead to unexpected strengths and development, showcasing Rodon’s inspiring journey as he continues to excel in Major League Baseball.