The New York Yankees had a pretty rough year, not being able to make the postseason. Moreover, they finished with an 82-80 record this year. It was one of the worst seasons for the Pinstripes in the last thirty years. However, the concern is rising over their bullpen. Prior to this offseason, the Bronx Bombers had a pretty deep bullpen. That was their insurance to sign superstar outfielders this offseason. However, to land certain big outfielders this offseason, the Pinstripes sacrificed a lot of pitchers and catchers.
Hence, their pitching situation is currently worsening. Previously, the Yankees relied on the Yoshinobu Yamamoto deal. However, they failed to land the Japanese ace. They really missed a good option for a starting pitcher there. Anyhow, the Yankees will hope to see the pitchers currently available give their best next season. One of the primary pitchers of the NY side is Carlos Rodon. He had a tough season while debuting for the Yankees.
Can Carlos Rodon Display His Dominant Version In 2024?
Before heading home to Indiana to start his offseason routine, Carlos Rodon wanted some time off baseball for a while. A few months later, the NY side seemed happy with how Rodon started his work in the first half of the winter. Aaron Boone had seen Rodon right before the Winter Meetings. He thought the pitcher looked great. Moreover, the Yankees manager said it is essential that his offseason routine is air-tight and he stays in the best position before coming into the spring training. It is important that he comes in with a great foundation. Almost a year ago, the Yankees signed Rodon for a six-year deal worth $162 million. But Rodon’s first year with the Bronx was full of injuries and poor performances. Later, a hamstring strain limited Carlos Rodon to 14 overall starts. Obviously, he didn’t live up to the expectations in his debut for the Yankees.
He had two straight All-Star selections before joining the Bronx Bombers, with the Chicago White Sox and the San Francisco Giants. But last season with the Yankees, he recorded a 6.85 ERA. That was not pretty. Later, he lost his cool with the fans and Matt Blake, the pitching coach. In the last game in 2023 in Kansas City, Rodon allowed eight earned runs and didn’t record a single out. It was kind of the perfect way to end his terrible debut season for the Yankees. The pitching coach, Blake, later mentioned that there is nothing that he thinks should stop Rodon from being the most dominant version of himself. Moreover, Aaron Boone mentioned that Rodon has a lot of ability, and the team is here to help him showcase that.
After Signing Soto And Verdugo, Yankees Can Feel Good About Their Outfield
The Bronx Bombers had a very poor offense last season. Clearly, the fans and the front office have learned the risk of having only one superstar outfielder in the team. What happens when he stays out with injury? Last season, Aaron Judge stayed out with a toe injury and missed 36 games on the trot. That did not help the Yankees whatsoever. Anyway, this offseason, the Bronx Bombers clearly focused on bringing possible reinforcements in the outfield.
They had been looking for two lefty outfielders who could play alongside Aaron Judge. Eventually, the Yankees signed Juan Soto for a year. It was really a big boost for the franchise and its fans. Soto is arguably the best slugger in the league. Moreover, the Yankees also signed Alex Verdugo from their rivals, the Boston Red Sox. Hence, in their outfield, at present, they are pretty much covered well.