Carlos Rodón Signs With New York Yankees

By Billy Lewis:

The New York Yankees bolstered their starting rotation Thursday evening. Entering free agency Rodón was the third-best starting pitcher available behind Jacob deGrom and Justin Verlander. The Yankees signed him to a six-year deal for $162 million.

He is coming off a year with the San Fransisco Giants in which he compiled a 14-8 record with a 2.88 ERA. Rodón should figure to slide in behind Ace Gerrit Cole and become the Yankees’ number two starter. Of course, this will push Nestor Cortes to three and Luis Severino to four.

Rodón, 30, was the best pitcher left on the market, and the Yankees add to a rotation that already includes Gerrit Cole, Nestor Cortes, Luis Severino and slew of other options. Between Rodón and Aaron Judge, Yankees have guaranteed $522 million. First with news was @JonHeyman.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 16, 2022

New York Yankees Projected Rotation With Rodón

1. Gerrit Cole
2. Carlos Rodón
3. Nestor Cortes Jr.
4. Luis Severino
5. Frankie Montas

If all five pitchers perform up to their potential, this staff 1-5 will be tough to compete against. Rodón will be looking to continue to build off of his last two great seasons, while Cortes will look to follow up on his sensational 2022 campaign.

Severino could be the wild card to the Yankees rotation this upcoming season. When healthy, Severino has the makeup of an absolute ace. Sevy only threw 102.0 innings last season, but that was his first time throwing over 100 innings since 2018.

If he’s able to build off his 2022 and throw 175+ innings, Severino will find himself in line for a big payday. Severino has absolutely electric stuff and when he’s on, he is one of the best pitchers to watch. He’ll be a free agent after next season, and may just have this contract to use as a starting point.

Currently, it appears that the biggest question about the rotation will be Montas. After being acquired via trade, Montas struggled in the Bronx. He was 1-3 with a 6.35 ERA. The Yankees also have depth with guys like Domingo Germán and Clarke Schmidt.

Before signing Rodón it was rumored the Yankees were working on something even bigger than Rodón. It will be interesting to see if whatever that move may have been if it’s still on the table. With two weeks to go until the New Year, the Yankees still need to address left field and possibly the left side of their infield.

Now that the Yankees were able to take care of Aaron Judge and Rodón, it’ll be time to watch the trade market.