With Contracts Worth $487 Million, These 2 Yankees Stars Were the Biggest Disappointment This Season

On November 1, the baseball world has its new MLB champions. The Texas Rangers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks to win their first major jewel in history, scripting a new journey. However, with it, they also marked the end of the season that saw top spenders like the New York Mets and the New York Yankees. Both the teams faltered on a crucial junction to miss the playoffs, bringing their entire spending into questioning.

But given the squad strength that came with a high payroll, the Yankees came under more scrutiny after missing out on a trophy since their last win in 2009. Multiple players had a fair share in the $280 million payroll. But when compared on the scale of expectations, Giancarlo Stanton and Carlos Rodon disappointed more than the rest.

A Season of Only Misses for Giancarlo Stanton and Carlos Rodon

When the recent past of the New York Yankees is concerned, Giancarlo Stanton finds his name in all the success. But there is a twist in the tale. The last few years have not been the best for the 33-year-old designated hitter. Currently, on a $325 million contract, everyone expects him to be the first person to score runs, but that has not happened.

Notably, in the last two seasons, Stanton has not even crossed a hundred runs combined. His average has dropped to the worst 0.191, with OPS also dropping to 0.695, the poorest Stanton had in all years of play. It has affected his contribution to the team, with a WAR moving going negative from 0.7 last season. Moreover, his casual approach during games has become another highlight. Certainly not justifiable. However, he is not alone in this. Carlos Rodon, who joined on a 162 million contract, has failed big time.

Notably, former Chicago White Sox pitcher adored the Pinstripes on a promise, but that has not been fulfilled. After shining in the training sessions, Rodon pulled up his weak muscle and missed the crucial first half of the 2023 season. Though he joined the team in the second fully fit, struggled to pitch according to the need.

In 14 games for the Yanks, he could win only three games at an ERA of 6.85 and WHIP of 1.45. It put his entire contract under criticism, with fans terming him the “Worst Signing” for the New York Yankees. The fans also demanded his contract termination as the Yankees preparing for the 2024 season. But are the Yankees planning to do so?

What Lies Ahead for $500 Million Worth Stars as the New York Yankees Seek to Bounce Back in 2024

The New York Yankees are the most successful in MLB history. But the last two decades have not been the best for them. They have not won a single World Series since 2009. Since then, finding their replacements and similar success has been ongoing for the Bronx Bombers, but the search is still incomplete.

As another season added another year to this search, pressure is at its peak. Due to this, every step will matter a lot, whether retaining the players or release. Will Giancarlo Stanton and Carlo Rodon also come into the ambit of it?

The low-spending team has surprised many this season, including the World Series finalists Arizona Diamondbacks. It has brought the content of managing the squad better without not spending more. The Yankees could be in the same process as they look for a rebuild. For this, they could move Stanton and Rodon out of the squad. Reportedly, former Yankees Alex Rodriguez is backing this idea.

While predicting the future of the Pinstripes, he shared, “I love Stanton, but I just don’t love him on that roster. I don’t think he fits now and I don’t think he’s going to fit in the future with Aaron Judge there.” This comment inclined towards the Yankees going for a change to lower the spending and accommodate better players in the squad. Especially from the farm, which has some exciting players awaiting their chance.

However, it seems the Yankees captain is still backing the designated hitter. He said, “I think if we give him the chance to just keep him in the outfield a little bit longer, keep him moving, that’s the biggest thing.” This is an enormous boost for Stanton, though the story is not similar for Carlos Rodon.

Read More:- Struggling $162M Yankees Pitcher Earns Top Spot on Unwanted List as Fans Give Ultimate Verdict on Debut Season Letdown

Although there are five years more left in Rodon’s contract, his place looks under threat. The reason is Brian Cashman, who has made his interest in Japanese Yoshinobu Yamamoto public. The young player has been solid and has attracted interest from multiple MLB teams. It has increased its asking price and is expected to cost around $200 million. Given the Yankees are already on a high payroll, they might look to clear some of it with a few firings. Rodon, who has not been at his best lately, could be one of them. Will that be the case? Time will tell that.

Watch the Story: Ranking the New York Yankees Biggest World Series Failures.