MLB insider breaks down Carlos Rodon 2-pitch arsenal that 'overpowers hitters'
MLB insider Andy Marino has hailed Carlos Rodon for his impressive fastball and slider, which have made him one of the most dominant pitchers in the game.
Rodon has been making waves in Major League Baseball since he was drafted third overall by the Chicago White Sox in 2014. The left-handed pitcher recently signed with the New York Yankees. Fans are eager to see how Rodon's two-pitch arsenal would fare in the highly competitive American League East division.
His fastball consistently sits in the mid-to-high 90s and paired with his slider. It's a lethal combination for opposing hitters. Marino said about Rodon:
"Traditionally, aces pitch like (Gerrit) Cole and Max Scherzer, combining arm and intellect to mix four or five pitches and keeping hitters guessing. Rodon does not pitch like that. He overpowers hitters with two pitches, the fastball and slider. Rodon is not confusing hitters; he is blowing them away."
"He overpowers hitters with two pitches, the fastball and slider. Carlos Rodón is not confusing hitters; he is blowing them away."
Carlos Rodón is like Jacob deGrom for now, but is working to become like Gerrit Cole or Max Scherzer (via @martinonyc) on.sny.tv/fDpgZ4T https://t.co/kcW7X4ZSQX
In 2021, Rodon had a breakout season with the White Sox, finishing with a 2.37 ERA and 185 strikeouts over 132.2 innings pitched.
He also threw a no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians in April that year, becoming just the second pitcher in White Sox history to accomplish the feat. That performance earned Rodon a fourth-place finish in the American League Cy Young Award voting.
Despite his success, Rodon has been plagued by injuries. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2019 and battled shoulder and back issues last year. However, he appears to be healthy and ready to go for the upcoming season.
Can we expect a successful postseason from Carlos Rodon and Yankees?
It remains to be seen how Carlos Rodon's two-pitch arsenal would fare in the hitter-friendly confines of the Yankee Stadium.
The short porch in right field is notorious for turning routine fly balls into home runs. However, Rodon's fastball and slider have proven to be effective even in hitter-friendly environments. For example, his no-hitter in Cleveland took place in a ballpark that's notorious for being difficult to pitch in.
:Carlos Rodón bringing some 🔥: https://t.co/3nUqZBv5U6
In a recent interview, Carlos Rodon said that he joined the New York Yankees to pursue greater success and have a shot at the World Series.
With his ability to locate his fastball and mix up his pitch selection, Rodon is a formidable opponent for any batter. As he prepares for his first season with the Yankees, he will look to continue his success and make a big impact on their playoff aspirations.