The New York Yankees have been waiting for this version of Carlos Rodon, the fierce left-hander finally resembling the ace they signed.
When Rodon first arrived in New York, the storyline was anything but encouraging. Injuries, setbacks, and inconsistency clouded his $162 million contract.
Back problems and other injuries limited him to only 64.1 innings in 2023, and a dreadful 6.85 ERA left fans questioning the investment entirely.
It felt like déjà vu for Yankees fans who had seen big-ticket free agents flame out before under the weight of sky-high expectations.
Yet sometimes, resilience and talent eventually align. Rodon’s past two seasons have shifted the conversation, replacing doubt with genuine belief.
A gradual return to form
Rodon’s 2024 campaign wasn’t spectacular, but it w