By Benjamin Hoffman
With Aaron Judge’s contract situation settled last week, the New York Yankees were finally able to move on to other business. They did just that late last week, coming to terms on a six-year, $162 million deal with left-hander Carlos Rodón, arguably the best starting pitcher remaining on the free-agent market.
The deal, which was first reported by Jon Heyman of The New York Post, was confirmed Thursday by a person familiar with the negotiations who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal has yet to be finalized. It represents the 11th-highest total contract committed to a pitcher in major league history, according to Spotrac, with an average annual value of $27 million. The contract has a full no-trade clause.
Rodón, who turned 30 on Saturday, is coming off back-to-back seasons in which he had an ERA under 3.00. Drafted and developed by the Chicago White Sox after a standout career at North Carolina State, he blossomed into a star with Chicago in 2021. Then he signed a two-year, $44 million deal with the San Francisco Giants just before the 2022 season began — a deal that came together quickly after the lockout ended. He acclimated to the National League with ease, going 14-8 with a 2.88 ERA in 31 starts. He led major league starters with an average of 12 strikeouts per nine innings and was an All-Star for a second consecutive year.
The deal included an opt-out clause after one season that Rodón exercised.
In New York, Rodón should slot in near the top of the Yankees’ rotation, serving as a significant upgrade over right-hander Jameson Taillon, who left the Yankees and signed a four-year, $68 million contract with the Chicago Cubs last week.
The Yankees’ starting rotation projects to be a strength for the team, with Gerrit Cole, Néstor Cortés, Luis Severino and Rodón all having All-Star potential. Right-hander Frankie Montas, who was acquired in a deadline trade with the Oakland Athletics, could be a terrific option as a fifth starter if he can recover from the injuries and inconsistency that plagued him last season.