Yankees optimistic Carlos Rodon will ‘return to form’ as team remains open to rotation additions

Carlos Rodon was the Yankees’ biggest offseason acquisition last year but the lefty didn’t deliver his usual dominance.

After coming off back-to-back double-digit win seasons where he started at least 24 games, the 31-year-old made just 14 starts in 2023 and pitched to a 6.85 ERA — his second-worst of his career.

Rodon’s first season in the Bronx was marred by injuries that delayed his debut — which came in July — and set him and the team back when it came to implementing him into their clubhouse.

Both Rodon and the Yankees feel the lack of “on-ramp” was a major cause of his issues last year, and the two-time All-Star is taking steps to make sure he’s there when the season starts this time around.

Rodon reported to the Yankees facility in Tampa early, per Yankees GM Brian Cashman, and he’s already making improvements.

“He looks really good, getting after it,” Cashman told the media over Zoom on Thursday. “Obviously, last year he was new to the organization and unfortunately his on-ramp happened in-season… We’re in a better collaborative state this winter.”

Cashman says that Rodon’s arm action is good and that he continues to work his “tail off” to make sure he remains healthy. Rodon’s attitude toward his offseason program is a good sign.

“Very optimistic that Rodon can return to form, and be the pitcher we know he’s capable of being,” Cashman said. “Him and all of us are looking forward to putting 2023 behind us.”

Reigning AL Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole is the only certainty in the Yankees rotation heading into 2023. Rodon and Nestor Cortes are coming off injury-plagued seasons, Marcus Stroman is new to the Yankees and Clarke Schmidt is entering his second full season as a starter.

There’s a lot of question marks in the rotation, which is why many believe another move for a starter is still in the cards for the Yankees.

Cashman, while not closing the door on the possibility of an addition, is comfortable with where his rotation is at as currently constituted.

“I think we have a good rotation if everything goes right, which we know is something we don’t want to lay back and count on,” Cashman said. “We’ll continue to look and tinker when possible.”

Pitchers and catchers report for the Yankees on Feb. 15. And if they want to get any new starters the chance to acclimate with the team and the coaches, they’ll have to make a deal soon.