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3 players who could make or break Yankees World Series chances

By Rucker Haringey

Jul 16, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; American League Futures shortstop Anthony Volpe (7) returns to the dugout after striking out in the first inning of the All Star-Futures Game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 16, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; American League Futures shortstop Anthony Volpe (7) returns to the dugout after striking out in the first inning of the All Star-Futures Game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Yankees rumors, Carlos Rodon
Sep 23, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (16) throws a pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Carlos Rodon

Splashing $162 million for six years of Rodon is a luxury move not many organizations have the financial muscle to make. Credit Cashman and New York’s front office for having the nerve to gamble on the talented, but often-injured southpaw.

At his best, Rodon gives the Yankees a battle-proven ace who can co-anchor the starting rotation alongside Gerrit Cole. His presence as the team’s No. 2 starter could prove invaluable to New York when they hit the postseason. He’s the sort of pitcher who can get on a roll and become unhittable throughout an entire playoff run.

Of course, the downside to Rodon is that he could also suffer an injury that limits his effectiveness during the regular season and rules him out for the playoffs. His medicals are trending in the right direction, but the Yankees signed him knowing they were assuming a great deal of health risk.

Ultimately, Rodon just needs to be healthy and at his best when postseason baseball arrives. The organization has enough starting pitching depth to allow him to spend some time on the Injured List during the regular season. If Rodon can give the team 150 or so regular-season innings and a healthy playoff run he could prove to be a bargain signing.

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