The New York Yankees submitted their initial offer to starting pitcher Carlos Rodon yesterday per Jon Heyman of the NY Post. It’s been reported that Rodon’s preference is to play for the Yankees, however, Heyman is reporting that there is a big gap between the Yanks and Rodon.
Rodon is currently seeking a seven-year deal north of $200 million. Given the current going rate of starting pitchers, Rodon’s request is completely fair. However, New York doesn’t appear willing to go there as of now. In recent weeks, we’ve seen Rodon’s market start to shrink.
The incumbent Giants are essentially out of the race. Steve Cohen and the Mets went in a different direction. The Yankees are seen as the biggest team left in the race, they are Rodon’s preferred destination, yet I’m starting to think that they might not be the favorites here.
Jack Curry of the YES Network has hinted that there might be limits on where New York would go for Carlos Rodon. It’s giving me major Patrick Corbin vibes. Still, as of yesterday, I felt really good about where the Yankees were. That all changed last night.
Yankees in trouble?
The Minnesota Twins have been in the thick of things with Rodon, but have been conservative in their approach because he wasn’t their top target. Their top target was Carlos Correa who signed with the Giants last night. The Twins offered 10 years and nearly $300 million for Correa to stay in Minnesota.
If Minnesota decides that Rodon is their top target, New York might be in huge trouble in their pursuit. Listen, I’m not saying the Twins have more money than the Yankees. However, I am saying that the Twins are much more likely to go to places New York won’t go to secure Carlos Rodon.
I wouldn’t be shocked at all to hear that the Twins are willing to go seven years for Rodon. My guess is that Rodon and Scott Boras would give the Yankees a chance to match. Everything points to Rodon wanting to be a Yankee just like Aaron Judge. However, it’s going to take the Yankees best offer to get him.
They clearly didn’t put their best offer forward yesterday. Heyman reported that the sides are hopeful for a deal and will work to compromise over the next couple of days. However, during that time, the Twins can easily swoop in there and nap Rodon at his price. New York needs to be aggressive because if they fall back to Nathan Eovaldi, the fans are going to be furious.