Carlos Rodon is headed to the Bronx.
Late on Thursday night, the New York Yankees got their man, signing Rodon to a six-year, $162 million deal.
But just a few years ago, Rodon’s career had been derailed by injuries.
It wasn’t until 2021 that the lefty emerged as an ace with the Chicago White Sox.
Back then, Rodon was making just $3 million.
Last offseason, the 30-year-old had signed a two-year, $44 million deal with the San Francisco Giants.
Rodon of course opted out of that deal and became a free agent again.
On Twitter, Bob Nightengale of USA Today discussed how Rodon was able to cash in on such a large deal.
In 2021, Carlos Rodon was making $3 million for the Chicago #Whitesox.
Today, he’s guaranteed $162 million— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 16, 2022
How Rodon Got Himself Rich
Simply put, Rodon bet on himself last offseason when he took a short-term deal with the Giants.
It ultimately resulted in him receiving $162 million from the Yankees.
Now, he’ll join a starting rotation that already includes Nestor Cortes, Gerrit Cole, Luis Severino, and Frankie Montas.
The veteran lefty won 14 games with the Giants and posted a 2.88 ERA in 31 starts and 178 innings of work, which ultimately set him up for a large deal.
Last night, the Yankees got their man and Rodon cashed in.
But it was all because Rodon chose to bet on himself in 2022.
The deal with the Giants included an opt-out, which he obviously exercised in hopes of earning his latest deal.
The Yankees now have another ace in their rotation and look prepared to finally pose a significant threat to the Houston Astros.
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