By now, it’s common knowledge that every fan of the New York Yankees has a particular disdain for the Houston Astros.
Not only are they frustrated with the Astros because of the 2017 sign-stealing scandal, but they also are tired of seeing the Yankees lose to them, which has happened four times in the last seven postseasons.
Interestingly though, this has made Yankees fans incredibly excited about the possibility of signing left-hander Carlos Rodon, the top starting pitcher on the free agent market.
Back in 2021, when MLB decided to crack down on pitchers using foreign substances, Rodon was one of many who called out Commissioner Rob Manfred for enforcing a 10-game ban on any pitcher caught with a foreign substance, but still not punishing the Astros for what they did.
One fan retweeted a video of Rodon’s interview and also rattled off Rodon’s career stats against Houston.
Rodon's career vs. #Astros:
7 starts, 1.55 ERA & 44 K in 46.1 IP + hates on them publicly?
SIGN HIM NOW #Yankees https://t.co/iQJJ03tpbg
— Stephen Meyer (@StephenMeyerRDC) December 8, 2022
How Rodon Fits With Yankees
Naturally, this makes Rodon an attractive target for Yankees fans.
In seven starts, Rodon has posted a 1.55 ERA against the defending World Series champions with 44 strikeouts in 46.1 innings of work.
His public hatred of the Astros is what sets him apart from others, however.
At this point, it’s safe to say that the Yankees’ biggest rivals are no longer the Boston Red Sox.
The Astros fill that role now.
The Yankees and their fans are still seething over what was taken from them in 2017.
But adding Rodon to their rotation would give them a legitimate chance to take down the Astros.
