The New York Yankees will have to make some pivots after losing ace Gerrit Cole for the season due to injury.
The team has suddenly gone from enviable starter depth to questions about who might be able to hold down the backend of the rotation. But, at least in terms of payroll, it’s clear who will be expected to step up.
Entering the third year of a six-year, $162 million contract, Carlos Rodón should take on the one-two punch alongside Max Fried at the top of the Yankees rotation. Rodón has enjoyed a pair of All-Star seasons with previous teams but, since joining the Yankees, he hasn’t quite lived up to his ace potential.
The team should be hoping the 2025 campaign will be his best yet, particularly after the loss of Cole. Shortly after Cole opted for season-ending surgery, NJ.com’s Randy Miller noted that Rodón looks as if he’s put on some weight heading into the season. When asked if that weight gain was intentional, Rodón offered a quick denial: “No,” he said.
“I just like food!” he added. “I feel like it’ll come off when I get going. I’m sure some of it already has.”
Rodón slimmed down after he posted a dismal 6.85 ERA across his debut 2023 season with the Yankees. That change seemed to help, as he improved to a 3.96 ERA across 32 starts in 2024.
But now, whatever his weight, Rodón will be expected to perform better than ever for the Yankees in 2025.
“He’s feeling extra pressure now that ace Gerrit Cole is headed for Tommy John surgery and second-year star Luis Gil figures to miss at least half the season,” Miller added. “Rodón feels Max Fried is in the same boat because they’re being paid to pitch like aces. Rodón will make $27 million again in season three of his six-year, $162 million contract and Fried, a winter free agent signee, is just starting his eight-year, $218 million contract.”
Without Cole or Gil, Rodón will be expected to step into the ace role that he’s never quite seized in New York. Whether he slims back down or not, those will be some big shoes to fill.
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