During the offseason, the New York Yankees made two massive signings.
First, they re-signed reigning MVP and newly-anointed team captain Aaron Judge.
The next day, they signed the top pitcher on the market in left-hander Carlos Rodon, inking the veteran ace to a six-year, $162 million contract.
Rodon has been out dealing with a back issue since the end of spring training, but he is now finally set to make his Yankees debut on Friday night as they play host to the Chicago Cubs.
On Twitter, a Yankees fan page posted a hype video to get fans excited to see the team’s new ace in action for the first time.
It’s officially Carlos Rodón bumpday in the BX. LETS GO.🔥 #Yankees pic.twitter.com/sxX5guNgDb
— Fireside Yankees (@FiresideYankees) July 7, 2023
Rodon spent last season with the San Francisco Giants.
The veteran lefty won 14 games in 31 starts and posted a 2.88 ERA.
He, Justin Verlander, and Jacob deGrom were the top three starting pitchers available in free agency.
New York was aggressive in their pursuit of Rodon and ultimately landed him.
However, they’ve had to wait for quite some time to see their new ace in action for the first time.
Tonight, that will no longer be the case as Rodon takes the mound in Yankee pinstripes for the first time in his career.
In addition to his brief stay with the Giants, Rodon has spent the majority of his Major League career with the Chicago White Sox.
The Yankees come into the series with the Cubs owning a record of 48-40 and sitting in a tie for the third Wild Card with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Rodon’s return should give the rotation a major boost.
