Before the start of the 2023 season, the New York Yankees invested $162 million in a six-year contract expecting Carlos Rodón to be an elite pitcher. While his 12-7 win-loss record and 3.25 ERA are respectable, the true indication of his resurgence lies in deeper statistical analysis. His performance reflects a clear return to the All-Star level the team had hoped for, marking a significant turnaround in his career.
Improvement in Underlying Metrics Highlights Rodón’s Progress
Rodón’s Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) stands at 3.84, matching his strong 2022 season with the Giants, which many consider his career-best. He boasts a 1.064 WHIP, the third-lowest of his career, and is allowing just six hits per nine innings—a personal best. His home runs surrendered per nine innings sit at 1.2, while strikeouts per nine are up to 10.1, both career highs since 2022. Additionally, opponents are hitting just .186 against him, the lowest batting average of his career, with on-base and slugging percentages against at .272 and .333, ranking third lowest.
Strategic Pitching Adjustments Revitalize Rodón’s Arsenal
Rodón’s resurgence can largely be attributed to how he has adapted his pitching approach. According to Fangraphs, he has reduced his reliance on his fastball to 41.3%, the lowest since 2016, and his average fastball velocity has decreased to 94.3 mph, the slowest since 2020. However, this shift does not indicate diminished effectiveness but rather a more varied pitch mix.
One key change has been Rodón’s return to using his sinker after a five-year hiatus, now accounting for 9.4% of his pitches at an average speed of 92.1 mph. This adjustment has boosted his groundball percentage to 40.6%, his highest since 2019, indicating better control over batters’ contact. At the same time, he has increased his slider usage to 30.1%, decreased curveball usage to 4.3%, and raised his changeup frequency to 14.8%.
Enhanced Pitch Effectiveness Fuels Rodón’s Success
These pitch modifications have resulted in noticeable improvements in runs above average. Rodón’s fastball value has surged to 7.6, a peak since 2022, while his slider’s value jumped dramatically from -3.2 to 11.5. By relying less on his fastball and mixing his pitches more effectively, Rodón has managed to regain the performance level that earned him All-Star recognition.
Implications for the Yankees and Future Outlook
Carlos Rodón’s refined pitching strategy and improved metrics underscore his importance to the Yankees, who have eagerly awaited his full potential since signing him. His ability to adapt and elevate his game signals a promising trajectory for the team’s pitching staff. If he continues to build on this momentum, the Yankees can expect Rodón to be a cornerstone of their rotation for years to come, bolstering their playoff ambitions.