Within the New York Yankees clubhouse, players often develop strong bonds, which is something fans enjoy seeing as they come together as a team. We occasionally get entertaining looks into these relationships through player interviews, where we learn quirky opinions and behind-the-scenes humor. In a recent interview, young Yankees Anthony Volpe had some light-hearted things to say about his teammates, including a funny one about pitcher Carlos Rodón that caught the eye — and triggered the laughter — of Rodón’s wife, Ashley.

Such levity feels well-timed for a Yankees team that has opened its 2025 season on fire. They won their first home two-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers. After an impressive 4-2 victory on Opening Day with home runs by Austin Wells and Volpe himself. The Yankees burst their way to a franchise-best nine homers in a dominant 20-9 win in the second game. Starting 2-0 with that much offense definitely brings a positive atmosphere around the team.

In this upbeat environment, Red Bull USA released a video segment titled “How well do I know my teammates?” featuring 23-year-old Anthony Volpe. In the rapid-fire Q&A, Volpe chose his favorites for several team superlatives. Volpe didn’t hesitate when asked which teammate was “Most likely to survive on a desert island,” saying, “Probably Carlos Rodon.”

The seemingly surprising choice was quickly noticed by Carlos’s wife, Ashley Rodon. Ashley shared the clip on her Instagram Story with a laughing face emoji (😂) to show how she was entertained by Volpe’s take. Ashley found humor in it, but Volpe’s decision likely comes from respect for Rodón’s time-tested toughness.

Rodón has exhibited tremendous fortitude during his career, famously returning from injuries such as a Tommy John surgery back in 2019. He reworked his mechanics and training and briefly returned to being an elite pitcher and compiling an excellent 2.67 ERA covering the 2021 and 2022 seasons. That capacity to conquer enormous obstacles and transition suggests the kind of determination required to manage a tough situation. Even a desert island!

The lighter side: the Yankees’ personality and resilience

The two players also evidently respect each other professionally. Rodón was quickly impressed by Volpe’s talent, recalling how, in one of the early batting practices, the young shortstop hit two consecutive homers off him, making Rodón think: “Oh my god, who is this kid?” Rodón later complimented Volpe’s tough at-bats from the leadoff spot, acknowledging how hard he forces opposing pitchers to work and saying he’s “glad I am on this team,” while players like Volpe set the tone.

Volpe’s interview revealed other fun insights into the personalities of the team. He jokingly added that Aaron Judge controls the music (“on the AUX”) and admitted he probably has the messiest locker himself. Additionally, gave a nod to Marcus Stroman for best fashion sense. He considers pitcher Gerrit Cole most likely to become a billionaire (due to investments!), while selecting Austin Wells or Jasson Domínguez for a hot dog eating contest. He also teased Luke Weaver for maybe enjoying karaoke a little too much and even jokingly called Jazz Chisholm Jr. and some others “wannabe influencers.”

Amid such lighthearted moments, the Yankees look promising all around in 2025. Anchored by reigning MVP Aaron Judge, with new additions Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt boosting the mix, the lineup looks powerful, particularly after their 9-homer performance. Young players such as Volpe and fellow catcher Austin Wells are also expected to play prominent roles. Replacing the production of Juan Soto is a tall order, and there are questions at first base or DH. But the early results have been overwhelmingly positive.

In the end, Anthony Volpe’s “desert island” comment regarding Carlos Rodón offered an amusing glimpse into the Yankees’ clubhouse personality, only enhanced further by Ashley Rodón’s laughing response. It reflects the camaraderie and positive spirits coursing through a team that is on the right path. Rodón’s survival skills may go untested, but his mettle is established. But which Yankee player would you pick to survive on a desert island?