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Yankees $162 Million Veteran Named 'Best Sidekick'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated May 25, 2025 3:40 PM ET

Carlos Rodon wasn’t expected to be the New York Yankees’ headline story this season. After struggling in his first two years in pinstripes, the Yankees would be happy if the lefthander was simply, reliably eating innings.

But so far this season, he’s quietly become their best supporting player. When Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil went down, many feared the rotation would collapse, relying solely on ace Max Fried. Instead, Rodon has stepped up in a big way.

“Well, look who’s pitching the best he has since putting on a Yankee uniform,” USA Today baseball columnist Bob Nightengale wrote.

Nightengale named Rodon the best “sidekick” in his Memorial Day awards. In 11 starts this season, Rodon is 6-2 with a 2.88 ERA, with 80 strikeouts over 65 2/3 innings. In his last five, he is 5-0 with a stellar 1.48 ERA, holding hitters to .160.

Paired with Fried’s dominant 7-0, 1.29 ERA, the Yankees’ rotation has posted a 2.68 ERA over the last 34 starts, second-best in the league behind only the Texas Rangers.

According to Baseball Savant, Rodon has increased his fastball extension and usage of his change-up from 12.9% to nearly 16%, incorporated a sinker, and eliminated his cutter.

Manager Aaron Boone said, “We feel good about what those guys are bringing to the table for us every day.”

It’s about time. Rodon signed a $162 million, six-year deal with the Yankees before the 2023 season. He didn’t live up to that the first two seasons, but now it’s starting to pay off.

Rodon’s recent form is a major reason the Yankees’ pitching staff remains a top unit despite injuries. If he keeps this up, the “sidekick” could become a defining force for the team.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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