Carlos Rodon wants a contract the Yankees won’t even give him

Carlos Rodon, arguably the best starting pitcher left on the free-agent market, wants a contract the Yankees might not even pay.

Carlos Rodon wants a seven-year deal, and he might very well get it. If the starting pitching market at the Winter Meetings taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected.

Now, this isn’t to say that Rodon’s expectations are completely out of line. Rodon is just 29 years old, and is coming off one of the best years of his MLB career. However, he also has a complicated injury history, and is expected to receive a high AAV along with his demands on contract length. Even in this market, it’s tough for a player like Rodon to get everything he wants.

Carlos Rodon injury history

Carlos Rodon made just 11 starts combined in 2019 and 2020. Come 2021, he made his first All-Star team, signing a prove-it deal with the San Francisco Giants shortly thereafter. He backed that up with arguably the best year of his career, and another All-Star campaign.

Rodon has earned a multi-year contract, and it would be surprising to see him get less than a five-year commitment. But seven years is a lot for most general managers, especially in this pitching market.

Who should be favored to sign Carlos Rodon?

The New York Yankees are the presumed favorites for a pitcher of Carlos Rodon’s stature. Rodon is the best pitcher remaining on the free-agent market, and the Yankees need starting pitching depth. It makes too much sense.

Brian Cashman and the Yanks front office started a step slow, as they had to devote the majority of their time and resources to bringing back Aaron Judge. Now that the presumed captain is back in the fold, they must improve their roster. That starts with the pitching staff.

If not the Yankees, then perhaps the Texas Rangers or even Giants, who missed out on Judge, could come calling.