With a change in the calendar year, many in the MLB circuit are looking for a change in their fortunes. It includes multiple teams, managers, and players who want to do better in the upcoming season. Though many are there, one comes in front of Carlos Rodon. The 31-year-old signed a $162 million deal with the New York Yankees but had a disappointing first season and would be desperate for a change. Can he do it?
New York is not an easy place to be in. Any failure to fulfill the demands it carries causes worry. With the Yankees in the picture, this becomes bigger. Rodon also experienced this in the form of criticism, with many calling it an end for him in the Bronx. However, the Yankees trusted him for another year hoping for a better return. It seems the former Chicago star knows this has reflected in a changed spirit. Notably, the fans have also loved it and have shown the same in their reactions. Is a redemption season on the cards?
Carlos Rodon Shows the Change, Can He Bring Out His Best?
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It was a roller coaster ride for Carlos Rodon. After signing for the Pinstripes with positivity and hope, Rodon failed to perform the task. First his invalidity due to the injury for almost the entire first half, then incosistency on the mound made him a villain.
The people are not ready for Carlos Rodon to win Comeback Player of the Year pic.twitter.com/jFQdZ2l3H3
— Addison (@YankeeWRLD) January 15, 2024
Notably, Rodon finished the season with eight losses in 14 starts. He recorded an ERA of 6.85 with 64 strikeouts to his name at a WHIP of 1.45. Certainly not the best figures for a pitcher earning $27 million in a year.
However, there is a change. Given that he struggled on the mound due to poor fitness, a fitter Rodon would do better. His latest picture shows that the pitcher has transformed completely. This has also hyped the fans advocating for him to be “Comeback Player of the Year.”
New York Yankees Fans Share Their Joy as Better Rodon Comes Into the Picture
The New York Yankees have not signed any major pitcher this offseason. This has left them with old options on the mound. However, Rodon’s performance was a big worry and brought a question: Is he a good fit for the system? Fans think so and expect him to perform better with better fitness, as visible from their reactions.
He’s getting skinny again man pic.twitter.com/1FtbOKQTBT
— Andrew (@andrewderrico05) January 15, 2024
Other fans called it to be his best shape, indicating the best season of his career
“Best shape of his life” szn
— Matthew (@ttam233) January 15, 2024
One predicted the Yankees winning 100 games with him contributing immensely with his teammates
between him and Stanton getting lean we might just win 100 games
— Matt (@MattCurrySports) January 15, 2024
One said that he would win the award but has to share it with his teammate
He's going to have to share the award with Stanton.
— june (@juneturtle3) January 16, 2024
Others said that he is finally in the positive zone
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Dude looks like he's in the zone & got that dad fire in him. Wouldnt be surprised if when an umpire asks to check his hands for sticky stuff, he just says "not now buddy wait til mom comes home"
— A-Rob (@ARob64483434) January 15, 2024
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Fans look happy and positive about him. However, many doubters are still there. Will he prove them wrong to add to the happiness? Only time can answer that.
Read More:- As Pitchers Dominate Free Agency, Here’s Some Massive Deals That Went Wrong Including Carlos Rodon and More