When the New York Yankees signed Aaron Judge to his contract extension, they knew improving the roster was still a priority. Judge only wanted to sign with the team that had World Series aspirations and was keen on adding more pieces in free agency.
Management is trying to uphold their word and add one more high-caliber player to the mix in starting pitcher Carlos Rodon.
- Yankees get back into the win column with 4-3 victory over the Athletics
- Yankees’ veteran infielder leaves rehab game after one at-bat
- Yankees ace continues to progress in throwing program after throwing up to 120 feet
However, Rodon is seeking a deal in the 6+ year range, whereas the Yankees are stuck at 4–5 years with concerns over his longevity. Nonetheless, they are willing to pay him his asking price of $30 million per season, it’s just a matter of reducing the years, which shouldn’t be too much of a problem since the market is dwindling for Rodon.
“The Yankees are preparing to make an offer to Rodon, their top remaining target, and seem hopeful, or perhaps even optimistic, which shouldn’t come as a surprise the way this winter has gone.”
Per Jon Heyman of the NY Post.
The Yankees can create something special with Carlos Rodon in the mix:
At 30 years old, Carlos is coming off two stellar seasons with the Chicago White Sox and San Francisco Giants. He pitched 132.2 innings back in 2021, earning a 2.37 ERA and 12.55 strikeouts per nine. In the most recent season, he earned a 2.88 ERA, 2.91 xFIP, and 12 strikeouts per nine over 178 innings. This was the most innings he’s ever pitched in his career, which is a cause for concern on a deal worth over five seasons.
The Bombers are doing everything in their power to please Judge, but they aren’t willing to cross a red line that may put them in financial distress down the road.
“Though the Yankees liked Rodon from the start, Judge is partly behind this pursuit, as he told managing partner Hal Steinbrenner upon agreeing to his $360 million deal that he would like to see a couple of improvements. The Yankees would love to please Judge.”
At the end of the day, adding Rodon to a rotation that already includes Gerrit Cole, Nestor Cortés, Luis Severino, and Frankie Montas would undoubtably suggest they have the firepower to reach the World Series for the first time in over a decade.
With the New York Mets signing Japanese star Kodai Senga, they represent yet another competitor for Rodon that will turn their attention elsewhere. The Yankees are one of a few teams, including San Francisco, who are intrigued by the lefty starter, but with the Mets off the board, Cashman’s probability of landing him increases.