When the stakes are high, one tends to do everything possible to avoid failing. Physically, mentally, and sometimes even spiritually. Some athletes enter with their left foot, and some get off their motorbikes with their left leg. Carlos Rodon, the $162 million signing of the New York Yankees, suffered from a series of bad luck last season. So in a bid to get off those bad vibes, he has decided to ditch his mustache! 

Apart from the mustache, however, the pitcher has completely transformed himself this offseason. Gone is the huge bulky guy of 2023, and now has come the fitter Rodon. More importantly, there’s an air of positivity that surrounds this new version of the two-time All-Star. 

Carlos Rodon is looking to reignite his career

The seriousness of Rodon could be understood from a simple thing: he joined the Yankees’ Spring Training facilities five weeks before the due date. The pitcher has a strong urge to prove that 2023 was just a case of bad fortune. To do that, he has changed his body and philosophy regarding pitching. During an interview with NJ.com, Rodon talked about this transformation. 

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On being asked about shaving off his mustache, Carlos Rodon said, “I just felt like the mustache had some bad juju in it.” While he didn’t reveal how much he weighs now, he joked that he weighed just the same. He looked thinner just because “I don’t have a mustache.” 

Afterward, the ace talked about how last year was tough for him and taught him many lessons. In a lighthearted confession, Rodon said, “I’m just gonna be a two-pitch pitcher…” This was in answer to his predominantly throwing fastballs and sliders. But Rodon was clear, “I know what my strengths are. I know how good I can be with those two pitches when I’m right.”

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Finally, however, Rodon clarified that he’s looking forward to having an elite season in 2024. “I wouldn’t be here this early if I didn’t think (another standout season is in me).” The pitcher wants to be better, and the Yankees certainly need him to be. Despite a bad season, Rodon has the support of the Yankees.

The renaissance of the New York Yankees pitching staff

Last season, the Yankees’ rotation got hit by injuries. Luckily, right now, fitness surrounds them, with Rodon in particular in the shape of his life. Despite the Pinstripes signing 2023 All-Star Marcus Stroman to their lineup, Rodon is firm in the No. 2 spot behind Gerrit Cole. Partly due to his $162 million contract and partly because of his tremendous record until 2023.

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With the franchise putting their complete trust in Rodon, the pitcher certainly has a lot of pressure riding on his shoulders. However, as of now, he looks far more ready to bear it than he did last season. Only time will tell if things improve for this star or not.