How Carlos Rodon overcame his tough first Yankees season: ‘I don’t surrender’

Carlos Rodón was at all times often called an above-average MLB starter.

After his spectacular 2021 and 2022 seasons with the Chicago White Sox and San Francisco Giants, respectively, the Yankees determined to signal him to a six-year, $162 million contract in free company. 

Nevertheless, this signing didn’t start nicely for Rodón. Some noticed the Southpaw’s first two seasons in pinstripes as lackluster and never well worth the massive contract he was given. 

From 2022 to 2023, Rodon’s ERA and WHIP jumped massively, and his strikeout numbers dropped loads as nicely. Accidents firstly and finish of the season additionally didn’t assist the beginning pitcher. Rodón ended the season with a document of 3-8.

Rodón spoke on The Present Podcast with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman about how mentally draining that season was for him.

“It was tough. Lengthy drives residence, quite a lot of time in my head, occupied with what’s incorrect, why can’t I make this higher.” Rodón stated. “I want I used to be higher on the time. However I wasn’t. 

At that time, Rodón realized he wanted to evolve not directly. One change he made was to his pitch arsenal.

For many of his profession, Rodón was recognized for simply his fastball and slider. Nevertheless, he has been in a position so as to add three new pitches: A curveball, a sinker, and a changeup.

To most, that would appear troublesome for a pitcher, not to mention one who has been within the league for a number of years. However that’s the place Rodón’s psychological fortitude shone.  

“I don’t surrender. I by no means actually have,” Rodón stated, “it’s simply not in my nature.”

That angle helped him grow to be a greater participant, and it has proven.

Now together with his new pitching repertoire, Rodón has had a stellar begin to the season. He has the fewest Hits per 9 innings within the American League. His document this season sits at 7-3 with a 2.60 ERA and a WHIP of .94

The lefty has helped the Yankees get off to a robust begin, sitting atop the AL East standings. However Rodón and the Yankees nonetheless have one objective in thoughts. Making it again to the World Sequence. 

Rodón believes that this crew has what it takes to make it again.

“I feel we now have a greater crew this yr. Rodón stated, “Clearly, we nonetheless must get there. So there’s nonetheless video games to be gained.”