The warm breeze of Spring Training is certainly soothing the hearts of the Yankees.

With the team in good health and spirits climbing high, the New York Yankees are hoping for a smooth sailing into the 2024 season. However, to do that, they need their $162 million pitcher Carlos Rodon to return to his absolute best. Luckily for them, there are hints that Rodon might not just return, but be better than ever.

The Rodon of 2024 is like “night and day” from 2023. The 2023 version was a shell of his former self and suffered through an unfortunate set of circumstances. But after a few months of recharging and long training, Rodon feels as good as new. But is his pitching back at its usual level? The reports certainly fill one with a positive feeling.

A huge positive news for the New York Yankees 

Fans were quick to write eulogies for the career of Rodon after 2023. The pitcher had a 6.85  ERA – a complete collapse from his 2.88 in 2022. While injuries did play a role, there was a much deeper issue running through Rodon’s pitching.

The hitters had found him out, plus his power had an alarming decline. All of this led to a career-worst year, but according to The Athletic, the pitcher is orchestrating a remarkable comeback.

The Yankees pitching coach, Matt Blake, talked about Rodon’s fastball, “There’s just another gear to it… it just looks like he’s moving more athletically with a little more power. All of that is coming together.”

Last season during this time of the year, Rodon’s fastball and other pitches had seen a remarkable decline in velocity. His fastball touched 92mph, while this year he has touched 97mph and is averaging 94-95mph. These numbers are right in line with his 2021 and 2022 numbers – arguably the best years in Rodon’s career.

The pitcher, to his credit, showed up at the Yankees facility in Tampa in the first week of January. Those extra days of training plus his visibly lower weight have contributed to Rodon feeling like himself again.

Carlos Rodon looking to leave his mark in 2024, as claimed by GM and teammates

The Yankees clubhouse has recognized the efforts that Rodon is putting in. The GM Brian Cashman shared how badly Rodon wants to “pitch at a high level for our fan base.” Similarly, his fellow Yankees pitcher, Nestor Cortes Jr. commented that Rodon looks “nastier” and is “night and day” from where he was last year.

So the Yankees certainly have a cause to celebrate. The fact that their No. 2 is climbing back to his best could give a huge boost to the World Series aspirations of the Bronx Bombers. Now one hopes that Rodon is successful in remaining free of injuries as well.