The New York Yankees had kicked off 2023 with sky-high expectations, banking on key pitching reinforcements to bolster their rotation. Carlos Rodón’s six-year, $162 million deal was meant to bring the heat, while Marcus Stroman was expected to be a steady force on the mound. But as the season unfolded, both signings found themselves under the microscope.

Rodón’s first season in the Bronx was a disaster, as Stroman’s value has also been a concern. Analysts Brandon Tierney as well as Sal Licata on WFAN Sports Radio debated whether Brian Cashman’s pitching activities have left the New York Yankees in a bind. Their verdict? A total mess.

The $162 million gamble, which backfired

Carlos Rodón was acquired after posting back-to-back vital seasons with the White Sox and Giants, providing a 5.1 WAR in 2021 and 5.2 in 2022. The New York Yankees assumed him to be a dominant power behind Gerrit Cole, establishing the best one-two punches in baseball. Instead, Rodon’s first year with the New York Yankees was a disaster. He made just 14 starts, posted a 6.85 ERA, and finished with a -0.7 WAR. The two-time all-star’s velocity dipped, his control worsened, and he looked lost on the mound. The New York Yankees paid $162 million for an ace; however, they got one of the worst-performing starters in the league instead.

Making situations worse, the team could not move Rodón’s contract if they wanted to. The pitcher’s long-period deal, coupled with his poor performance as well as injury history, has tanked the trade value. The same issue applies to Marcus Stroman, whose stock has decreased since joining the team. As Sal Licata bluntly said on WFAN, “They did try. They could not do it. Those are two bad signings in your starting rotation.” With over $230 million tied up between Rodón as well as Stroman, the New York Yankees are stuck, restricting their capability to manage glaring roster weaknesses.

Cashman’s costly mistakes are hurting the Yankees

Beyond their performance, Stroman and Rodón’s massive contracts are restricting the New York Yankees from making effective moves. The team has committed over $230 million to them, and with Rodón locked in through 2028, the financial burden is not going away anytime soon. The Yankees, instead of utilizing its spending power to reinforce their lineup, are stuck with two starters who have yet to prove their worth. Could the team have landed a more reliable, cost-effective arm instead of overpaying for Rodón? Did Stroman’s signing stop the New York Yankees from pursuing a higher-upside offensive piece? Such are the decisions that now haunt Cashman’s front office.

More concerning is the team’s lack of rotation depth if injuries strike. Brandon Tierney raised the alarm, concerning, “What if Cole goes down? What if Rodón goes down? Then what“? Given Rodón’s history of back and shoulder issues and Stroman’s inconsistency, it is a legitimate concern. Without reliable backup options, the team could be forced to rush minor-league pitchers in high-pressure roles. If injuries hit at the wrong period, Cashman’s wrong analysis could cost the Yankees dearly in a tight AL East race.

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The Yankees bet large on Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman. But so far, such deals look like costly mistakes. Cashman’s approach has put the team in a tough situation, financially and competitively. Yankees fans, what do you think? Can the front office trust Cashman to manage such a mess? Is it time for transformation?