The New York Yankees made some waves when they signed starting pitcher Carlos Rodon to a six-year, $162 million deal.
By adding Rodon, the Yankees have completed their rotation.
On paper, it can compete with some of the league’s best.
However, there will be a couple of keys to its success.
Here is a look at how it can live up to its potential, and just how high that ceiling can go.
Filled With Big Names
Gerrit Cole is the ace of this staff.
He has the history and track record of being at the top of the rotation, and it will continue to stay that way.
Everyone knows the potential he has, and he is always a possible Cy Young Award candidate.
That being said, Nestor Cortes Jr. outperformed him in 2022, and has looked like a legitimate top-of-the-line starter.
Happy Birthday to the man with the best windup in baseball, Nestor Cortes!! pic.twitter.com/AZTxKOuXdP
— ZT (@NY_EvilEmpire) December 10, 2022
This duo alone was enough to lead the Yankees into the postseason.
Add Rodon into that mix, who has been a Cy Young candidate in his own right, and the Yankees rotation is really good.
This three-headed monster alone will be enough to carry the Yankees, but they have even more options for the rotation.
All Rests On Luis Severino
While having the three big names is good, there is one player that could have more influence on the Yankees season: Luis Severino.
Severino has struggled with injuries over the last couple of years, and it has limited how much he could pitch.
This is critical because when he is healthy, Severino is one of the best pitchers in MLB.
Luis severino 3K’s vs. Vladdy tonight ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/B93vW1Bnhc
— The Boys of 161st Street (@The161Boys) April 15, 2022
He was an All-Star in 2017 and 2018, and quietly posted a 3.18 ERA in 2022 during his first full season back.
If he is able to stay healthy in 2023, there is no reason he couldn’t be better than every other pitcher in the Yankees rotation.
If that were to happen, they would undoubtedly have the best rotation in baseball.
NEXT: The Yankees Have Rapidly Fixed Their Rotation