The New York Yankees didn’t really make too many improvements on offense.
The same unit that was brilliant in the first half and unproductive in the second is returning.
They did re-sign Aaron Judge and Anthony Rizzo, two of their best hitters.
The pitching, however, got a really nice upgrade.
Tommy Kahnle returned via free agency to fortify the bullpen, but the major addition was made in the rotation.
The Yankees handed Carlos Rodon, one of the best left-handers in baseball, a six-year, $162 million contract in the offseason.
He reported to the Yankees’ training camp at the start of spring training, ready to dominate and help New York win that elusive 28th title.
First looks at Carlos Rodon tossing in #Yankees gear: pic.twitter.com/Ff6YqqIA5K
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) February 15, 2023
The southpaw is already tossing a baseball in the Yanks’ camp, getting his arm loose and ready.
There is no question about Rodon’s quality as a hurler.
He posted a 2.37 ERA in 2021 with the Chicago White Sox in the American League and a 2.88 ERA with the San Francisco Giants in the National League.
He pitched 178 innings last season, and was able to strike out 237 hitters thanks, mainly, to an incredible fastball.
It’s his go-to pitch, and he complements it with excellent command and a great slider.
He is one of those rare cases of pitchers who can dominate with just two offerings.
The Yankees are expecting big things from Rodon.
Will he be able to deliver?
It will all come down to health: he has suffered a series of shoulder, forearm, and elbow issues throughout his career.
If he can make it to the postseason relatively healthy, the Yankees could be in for big things in October.
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Yankees Manager Provides Unfortunate Frankie Montas Update
