Carlos Rodon’s remarkable journey from injury-plagued pitcher to All-Star has reached another milestone. The New York Yankees southpaw was named to the American League All-Star team on Friday, replacing teammate Max Fried on the roster for Tuesday’s Midsummer Classic in Atlanta. This marks the third All-Star selection for Rodon, who has transformed himself into one of the most reliable starters in the Yankees rotation.
The All-Star Replacement and What It Means
The decision to replace Max Fried with Carlos Rodon came down to simple logistics rather than performance issues. Fried, who leads the majors in wins with an 11-2 record and a 2.27 ERA, is scheduled to start Saturday against the Chicago Cubs. Pitching on just two days’ rest before the All-Star Game would have been challenging for the three-time All-Star. Rodon, meanwhile, started Friday night’s series opener against the Cubs, giving him three days of rest before Tuesday’s game in Atlanta.
Major League Baseball’s announcement highlighted the strategic nature of the decision. Aaron Boone, who will manage the AL squad, now has the flexibility to use Rodon for an inning or two without concerns about his availability. This marks the first time Rodon has been selected as a Yankee, adding to his previous All-Star appearances with the Chicago White Sox in 2021 and the San Francisco Giants in 2022.
A Season of Consistency and Growth
Carlos Rodon entered Friday’s game with impressive statistics that justified his All-Star selection. Through 19 starts in 2025, he has compiled a 9-6 record with a 3.30 ERA, striking out 127 batters while walking just 40 in 111.2 innings. His strikeout rate of 10.2 per nine innings ranks fifth in the American League, demonstrating his ability to miss bats consistently.
The advanced metrics paint an even more encouraging picture for Rodon’s 2025 campaign. He maintains a 1.03 WHIP and has allowed opponents to hit just .185 against him, which ranks second in the AL. His expected ERA of 3.12 suggests he has been both effective and somewhat unlucky, indicating potential for even better results moving forward.
Career Transformation After Tommy John Surgery
The current success represents a remarkable turnaround for Carlos Rodon, who underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2019 following a series of injury setbacks. The procedure, performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles, forced Rodon to miss the remainder of the 2019 season and much of 2020. However, the surgery proved to be a turning point in his career trajectory.
Rodon’s recovery process was methodical and thorough. By 2021, he had returned to elite form with the Chicago White Sox, posting a 2.37 ERA over 24 starts and earning his first All-Star selection. His fastball velocity returned to the mid-90s, and his signature slider became even more devastating. The combination helped him strike out 185 batters in 132.2 innings while maintaining exceptional control.
The Yankees Investment Pays Dividends
The Yankees’ decision to sign Carlos Rodon to a six-year, $162 million contract before the 2023 season has proven to be a wise investment. The deal, worth $27 million annually, made Rodon the second-highest paid pitcher in franchise history behind only Gerrit Cole. The contract includes a $5 million signing bonus and features a full no-trade clause, demonstrating the organization’s long-term commitment to the southpaw.
Rodon’s first season in pinstripes was challenging, as he struggled with injuries and posted a 6.85 ERA in just 14 starts. However, his 2024 bounce-back campaign showed his true potential, as he went 16-9 with a 3.96 ERA while making a career-high 32 starts. His 195 strikeouts and 175 innings pitched were both crucial to the Yankees’ success throughout the season.
2025: The Opening Day Assignment
Carlos Rodon’s importance to the Yankees became even more apparent when he was named the Opening Day starter for 2025. The assignment came after ace Gerrit Cole underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery, leaving a significant void in the rotation. Rodon embraced the responsibility, describing it as “just an honor” while maintaining his focus on winning games rather than individual accolades.
The Opening Day start against the Milwaukee Brewers at Yankee Stadium represented Rodon’s second career opening assignment. His first came with the White Sox in 2019, a game that ended in a 5-3 loss at Kansas City. This time, however, Rodon was better prepared and more experienced, having learned from his previous struggles and injury setbacks.
Standout Performances Throughout 2025
Several performances during the 2025 season have highlighted Carlos Rodon’s evolution as a pitcher. His May 27 outing against the Los Angeles Angels was particularly memorable, as he struck out 10 batters without issuing a walk over seven scoreless innings. The performance included a spectacular defensive play where he fielded a slow chopper and made a jumping throw to first base, earning praise from teammates who compared the play to Derek Jeter.
Another standout moment came in his start against the Texas Rangers on May 22, where Rodon struck out eight batters in six shutout innings. His ability to mix his fastball with an improved arsenal of secondary pitches has made him more effective against both left-handed and right-handed hitters. The addition of a cutter and more frequent use of his changeup has helped him avoid the home run issues that plagued his earlier Yankees tenure.
The Financial Success Story
Carlos Rodon’s career earnings reflect his journey from promising prospect to established star. His current contract with the Yankees will pay him $27 million annually through 2028, with total career earnings already exceeding $121 million. The deal represents validation after years of injury concerns and inconsistent performance early in his Yankees tenure.
The financial success has allowed Rodon to focus on his craft without external pressures. His agent, Scott Boras, negotiated a contract that includes deferred money and incentives tied to innings pitched and postseason performance. This structure has motivated Rodon to maintain his health and continue improving his effectiveness on the mound.
A Rotation Anchor for the Yankees
With Gerrit Cole sidelined for the entire 2025 season, Carlos Rodon has emerged as the Yankees’ most reliable starter. His ability to eat innings and provide quality starts has been crucial to the team’s success. Manager Aaron Boone has frequently praised Rodon’s professionalism and work ethic, noting how he has evolved his pitching approach to maximize his effectiveness.
The Yankees’ rotation has struggled with depth and consistency in recent seasons, making Rodon’s reliability even more valuable. His 19 starts through the first half of 2025 put him on pace for another 30-plus start season, which would be his third consecutive year reaching that milestone. This durability has been essential for a team that has dealt with numerous pitching injuries.
All-Star Week and Beyond
Carlos Rodon’s selection to the All-Star team caps off an excellent first half of the 2025 season. His 3.30 ERA ranks among the top 15 in the American League, while his strikeout numbers and advanced metrics suggest he has been one of the most effective pitchers in baseball. The recognition from his peers and coaches validates his transformation from injury-prone prospect to established star.
The second half of the season will be crucial for both Rodon and the Yankees. With the team positioned for a playoff run, Rodon’s ability to maintain his current level of performance will be essential. His experience in high-pressure situations and his track record of success in October make him a valuable asset for the Yankees’ championship aspirations.
The Complete Package
Carlos Rodon’s story represents more than just statistical success. His journey from the third overall pick in the 2014 draft to All-Star selection demonstrates the importance of perseverance and adaptation. The Tommy John surgery that could have ended his career instead became a catalyst for improvement, teaching him the value of preparation and mental toughness.
His evolution as a pitcher has been remarkable to watch. The fastball-slider combination that made him a top prospect has been enhanced by improved command and the addition of new pitches. His ability to sequence his offerings and attack different zones has made him more effective against quality hitters. The result has been consistent success at the highest level of professional baseball.
As the Yankees continue their push toward October, Carlos Rodon’s presence in the rotation provides stability and championship experience. His third All-Star selection serves as recognition of his hard work and dedication to his craft. For a pitcher who has overcome significant obstacles to reach this level, the achievement represents both validation and motivation for continued success.
The 2025 season has already been a career-defining campaign for Rodon, and with the All-Star break providing an opportunity to rest and reset, he appears poised for an even stronger second half. His story continues to inspire teammates and fans alike, proving that setbacks can become comebacks with the right mindset and determination.
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