Carlos Rodon makes Yankees history with a standout season and playoff aspirations alongside Max Fried
Carlos Rodon isn’t finished yet. With playoff games on the horizon for the New York Yankees, the left-hander’s regular season may have wrapped up on Thursday, but he leaves a significant mark on the franchise’s history.
Rodon’s season comes to a close with an impressive tally of 203 strikeouts and just 132 hits allowed. He has etched his name in Yankees lore as the first pitcher ever to achieve at least 200 strikeouts while permitting fewer than 140 hits in a single season, a milestone highlighted by Baseball Reference’s Katie Sharp. This accomplishment underscores Rodon’s consistent availability and reliability throughout the rotation.
Finishing the year with an 18-9 record, the 32-year-old southpaw has demonstrated resilience and skill. With a 3.09 ERA, he has recorded one of the best seasons of his career. Notably, Rodon has emerged as a workhorse, tying for the MLB lead with 33 starts—an impressive feat in today’s game, where workload management is paramount.
Rodon’s trajectory in New York has been one of steady improvement. After posting a 6.85 ERA in 2023, he made significant strides in 2024 with a 3.96 ERA, ultimately refining his performance to an elite 3.09 this season. The Yankees now look to harness this momentum as they enter the postseason, where Rodon’s contributions could be pivotal.
In tandem with Max Fried, who has lived up to expectations as the ace of the rotation, Rodon is poised to form a formidable lefty duo. Together, they could be the driving force behind the Yankees’ playoff success, setting the stage for a deep postseason run. The combination of Rodon’s historical achievements and Fried’s consistent performance presents an exciting opportunity for the Yankees as they gear up for October baseball.
