Carlos Rodón’s Resurgent 2025 Season

As the 2025 Major League Baseball season unfolds, one name has consistently stood out in the New York Yankees’ rotation: Carlos Rodón. The left-handed starting pitcher, now in his third year with the Yankees, has delivered a remarkable performance that has not only silenced doubters from his rocky 2023 debut but also positioned him as one of the American League’s elite arms. With an impressive stat line, a refined arsenal, and a renewed sense of confidence, Rodón is proving why the Yankees’ $162 million investment in him was a calculated gamble that’s paying dividends in 2025.

A Turnaround for the Ages

Rodón’s journey with the Yankees has been anything but smooth. After signing a six-year, $162 million contract in December 2022, expectations were sky-high for the two-time All-Star to form a formidable one-two punch with ace Gerrit Cole. However, his 2023 season was a disaster, marred by injuries—a forearm strain and a back issue—that delayed his debut until July. When he finally took the mound, Rodón struggled, posting a 6.85 ERA over 14 starts, including a brutal final outing where he allowed eight runs without recording an out. The Bronx faithful, known for their high standards, were left questioning whether Rodón could handle the pressure of pitching in New York.

In 2024, Rodón showed signs of recovery, finishing with a 16-9 record, a 3.96 ERA, and 195 strikeouts over 175 innings. While solid, his performance still fell short of the ace-level expectations tied to his contract. But 2025 has been a different story altogether. Through his first 12 starts, Rodón has been nothing short of dominant, boasting a 7-3 record, a sparkling 2.60 ERA, and a 0.94 WHIP across 72.2 innings. His 90 strikeouts rank second in the American League, trailing only Detroit’s Tarik Skubal, and his 1.27 ERA over his last eight starts underscores his consistency and dominance.

The Numbers Tell the Story

Rodón’s 2025 statistics paint a picture of a pitcher in complete command. His 30.3% strikeout rate and 46.8% ground ball rate demonstrate his ability to miss bats while limiting hard contact. His 2.82 xERA (expected ERA) suggests his performance is no fluke, aligning closely with his actual results. Perhaps most impressively, Rodón has shown an ability to go deep into games, with multiple outings of six or more innings, including a standout seven-inning, 10-strikeout performance against the Los Angeles Angels, where he allowed just five hits and no walks.

One of Rodón’s most significant improvements has been his ability to limit home runs, a persistent issue in his first two seasons with the Yankees. In 2024, he allowed 31 homers, and early in 2025, he tied an unwanted franchise record by surrendering 51 home runs in his first 50 starts with the team. However, since mid-April, Rodón has tightened his approach, with outings like his April 18 start against Tampa Bay, where he pitched six scoreless innings without allowing a single barrel or home run—a rarity in his Yankees tenure. His last two starts before June 3 combined for 13 scoreless innings, six hits, and 17 strikeouts, showcasing his ability to keep hitters off balance.

Evolving Arsenal and Mindset

Rodón’s resurgence can be attributed to both physical and mental adjustments. For years, he relied heavily on a devastating fastball-slider combination, which accounted for over 90% of his pitches in his All-Star seasons with the Chicago White Sox and San Francisco Giants. However, after his fastball’s effectiveness waned in New York, Rodón, with the help of the Yankees’ pitching staff, expanded his repertoire. In 2024, he began incorporating a changeup, and in 2025, he’s leaned on offspeed pitches that rank in the 90th percentile for run value, according to Baseball Savant.
This “kitchen sink” arsenal has made Rodón less predictable, forcing hitters to adjust to a broader mix of pitches. His slider remains his bread-and-butter, with manager Aaron Boone calling it his “most dominant pitch,” but the addition of a reliable changeup and improved command of his curveball has elevated his game. His ability to paint the corners, as evidenced by a 10-strikeout masterpiece against the Angels on May 27, highlights his precision and confidence.

Mentally, Rodón has also transformed. The pressure of pitching in New York, coupled with his 2023 struggles, initially overwhelmed him. But by 2025, he’s embraced the “Bronx Zoo.” After a six-inning shutout performance against Tampa Bay on April 18, Rodón remarked, “This doesn’t feel overwhelming anymore. This feels like home.” His selection as the Yankees’ Opening Day starter on March 27—filling in for the injured Gerrit Cole—further boosted his confidence. Rodón has spoken about retraining his brain to focus on execution and conviction, a mindset that’s allowed him to thrive under the intense scrutiny of Yankee Stadium.

Impact on the Yankees

Rodón’s stellar 2025 has been a lifeline for a Yankees rotation dealing with significant challenges. With Gerrit Cole sidelined for the entire season following Tommy John surgery, Rodón has stepped up as the de facto ace, forming a dynamic duo with offseason acquisition Max Fried. His ability to eat innings—logging 175 innings in 2024 and on pace for a similar workload in 2025—has spared the bullpen, a critical factor for a team aiming to contend in October.

The Yankees, who entered June 2025 with a strong 30-15 record, have leaned heavily on Rodón’s consistency. His five straight wins from April to May, including a 1.32 ERA over seven starts, helped propel New York to the top of the AL East. Standout performances, like his May 22 gem against the Texas Rangers (six innings, two hits, eight strikeouts), have set the tone for a team determined to erase the sting of their 2024 World Series loss.

Rodón’s contributions extend beyond the stat sheet. His fiery competitiveness and ability to bounce back from adversity have earned him respect in the clubhouse. Manager Aaron Boone has praised Rodón’s work ethic, noting that his preparation and willingness to evolve have positioned him to “be that ace-level pitcher” the Yankees envisioned.

Looking Ahead

As the 2025 season progresses, Rodón’s performance will be crucial for the Yankees’ postseason aspirations. His ability to maintain his health—a concern given his injury history—and continue limiting walks and home runs will determine whether he can sustain this elite level. Posts on X reflect the growing excitement around Rodón, with fans and analysts alike marveling at his 0.72 ERA over his last four starts and his climb to the top 10 in MLB’s Pitcher Power Rankings.

For Rodón, 2025 is about more than just personal redemption. It’s about proving he can lead the Yankees to their ultimate goal: a World Series title. With his refined arsenal, unwavering focus, and newfound comfort in the Bronx, Carlos Rodón is not just meeting expectations—he’s exceeding them, one dominant start at a time.