A prominent MLB insider has recently predicted that the New York Yankees could trade their $37 million starting pitcher, Carlos Rodón, in the near future. The prediction comes amid mounting uncertainty about Rodón’s future with the team, especially after a disappointing 2023 season. With the Yankees in a transition phase and seeking to retool their roster for a more competitive 2024 campaign, a trade of Rodón might make sense both for the team’s financial flexibility and its pitching depth.
Carlos Rodón signed a six-year, $162 million contract with the Yankees in December 2022, expected to become a key contributor to their rotation. The left-handed starter, who had posted an excellent 2021 and 2022 with the Chicago White Sox and San Francisco Giants, was brought in to bolster the Yankees’ rotation alongside ace Gerrit Cole. The deal was seen as a major win for the Yankees, who were aiming to solidify their pitching staff and remain competitive in the American League East.
However, Rodón’s first season in pinstripes was far from what was expected. After battling injuries throughout the year, including a lingering back issue, Rodón struggled to find consistency on the mound. He made just six starts in the regular season, finishing with a disappointing 6.29 ERA and only 29 strikeouts in 29 innings pitched. His injury woes also impacted his ability to be the anchor the Yankees were hoping for, especially in a season where they missed the playoffs.
Despite this setback, there are still reasons for optimism regarding Rodón’s future. When healthy, he has demonstrated ace potential, with high strikeout rates and the ability to dominate top-tier hitters. However, his injury history, combined with his large contract, creates a difficult situation for the Yankees. The trade prediction stems from the fact that New York could use the offseason to retool its roster and shed some of its high payroll commitments, freeing up resources for other areas of need.
Rodón’s trade value could be complicated by his injury history and recent underperformance, but some teams in need of starting pitching could still take a chance on him. The Yankees might not get back equal value in terms of prospects or major league players, but moving him would allow them to allocate their resources to other positions, particularly the outfield and bullpen, which also need upgrades. Moreover, shedding his $37 million salary would ease the team’s payroll flexibility for future moves, especially if they plan to pursue top-tier free agents in the coming seasons.
If the Yankees do indeed explore trading Rodón, several factors will influence their decision. First, they’ll need to assess how much of his contract they’re willing to take on in order to make a deal more palatable for another team. Additionally, they’ll have to determine if they believe his injury issues are behind him and if they want to give him another season to regain his form. Ultimately, whether or not the Yankees pull the trigger on a trade will depend on their overall vision for the 2024 season and the moves they make to contend in a highly competitive division.
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