Carlos Rodón Bio
Carlos Antonio Rodón is an American professional baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball (MLB). A three-time MLB All-Star, Rodón is best known for pitching a no-hitter on April 14, 2021, while a member of the Chicago White Sox. Selected third overall in the 2014 MLB Draft, he has developed into one of the most prominent left-handed starting pitchers of his generation, also playing for the San Francisco Giants before joining the Yankees on a six-year, $162 million contract in December 2022.
Early Life and Background
Carlos Antonio Rodón was born on December 10, 1992, in Miami, Florida. His father immigrated from Cuba in 1967 at the age of five, while his mother is a Cuban-American. The family later relocated to Holly Springs, North Carolina, where Rodón grew up and developed his love for the game of baseball.
He attended Holly Springs High School, where he starred for the school’s baseball team. During his junior year in 2010, Rodón threw a no-hitter, two one-hitters, and four shutouts, posting a 10–1 record with a 0.80 ERA and 115 strikeouts. In 2011, he went 11–0 with a 1.40 ERA and 135 strikeouts, leading Holly Springs to the North Carolina 4A state championship. The Milwaukee Brewers selected him in the 16th round of the 2011 MLB Draft, but he chose to attend North Carolina State University rather than sign.
Path to MLB
At North Carolina State, Rodón quickly established himself as one of the top college pitchers in the country. As a freshman in 2012, he went 9–0 with a 1.57 ERA and set the NC State freshman record with 135 strikeouts, becoming the first freshman to be named ACC Pitcher of the Year. In 2013, he led the Wolfpack to their first College World Series appearance since 1968, finishing his sophomore season with a 10–3 record, a 2.99 ERA, and a national-leading 184 strikeouts.
After his junior year, the Chicago White Sox selected Rodón in the first round, third overall, in the 2014 MLB Draft. He signed with the team on July 11, receiving a $6.582 million signing bonus, and made his professional debut on July 22 with the Arizona League White Sox before progressing through the minor leagues.
Carlos Rodón Career
Early Career (2015–2017)
Rodón made his MLB debut on April 21, 2015, pitching 2.1 innings against the Cleveland Indians. He earned his first win on May 9 against the Cincinnati Reds, finishing his rookie year 9–6 with a 3.75 ERA in 26 games. In 2016, he posted a 9–10 record with a 4.04 ERA over 28 starts, ranking seventh in the American League with 9.16 strikeouts per nine innings.
His early progress was interrupted by injuries. In 2017, he started just 12 games due to a shoulder issue, and he began 2018 on the 60-day disabled list before finishing 6–8. On May 15, 2019, Rodón underwent Tommy John surgery, limiting him to seven starts. He returned in 2020 but struggled to a 0–2 record with an 8.22 ERA in limited action, and was non-tendered by the White Sox on December 2, 2020.
Chicago White Sox Breakthrough (2021)
Rodón re-signed with the White Sox in January 2021 and quickly became one of the league’s most dominant starters. On April 14, 2021, he pitched a no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians at Guaranteed Rate Field, retiring the first 25 batters before hitting Roberto Pérez. He finished the season 13–5 with a 2.37 ERA and 185 strikeouts, earning his first career All-Star selection and finishing fifth in AL Cy Young Award voting.
San Francisco Giants Era (2022)
On March 14, 2022, Rodón signed a two-year, $44 million contract with the San Francisco Giants. He made an immediate impact, tying Juan Marichal’s franchise record with 12 strikeouts in his Giants debut on April 9. He set a new Giants single-season record for double-digit strikeout games with 10, and was named to the NL All-Star team. He finished sixth in NL Cy Young Award voting, then opted out of the second year of his contract on November 6, 2022.
New York Yankees Era (2023–Present)
On December 21, 2022, Rodón signed a six-year, $162 million contract with the New York Yankees. His tenure began slowly due to a left forearm strain and a back injury, and he struggled to a 3–8 record with a 6.85 ERA in his first season. He rebounded in 2024, posting a 16–9 record with a 3.96 ERA and 195 strikeouts in 175 innings.
On March 27, 2025, Rodón was named the Yankees’ Opening Day starter and earned his first win of the season against the Milwaukee Brewers. He was named an All-Star replacement on July 11, 2025, finishing 18–9 with a 3.09 ERA and 203 strikeouts. Following the 2025 postseason, he underwent surgery to remove a bone spur in his left elbow and began the 2026 season on the injured list, eventually embarking on a rehab assignment with the Hudson Valley Renegades.
Driving Style and Strengths
Rodón is recognized for his overpowering fastball and sharp slider, which allow him to generate high strikeout totals. He excels at overpowering hitters early in counts and has consistently ranked among the league leaders in strikeouts per nine innings. His competitive approach on the mound has helped him maintain effectiveness even after returning from major arm injuries.
Notable Events and Milestones
His most iconic moment came on April 14, 2021, when he pitched a no-hitter for the White Sox. Other milestones include tying a Giants franchise record with 12 strikeouts in his debut with San Francisco, and being named the Yankees’ Opening Day starter in 2025.
Carlos Rodón Career Highlights
MLB Highlights
Rodón has been selected to three MLB All-Star Games in 2021, 2022, and 2025. He threw a no-hitter on April 14, 2021, for the Chicago White Sox, the 20th no-hitter in franchise history. He also set a Giants single-season record for games with double-digit strikeouts in 2022, and led NC State to the 2013 College World Series during his sophomore year.
College and International Performances
At NC State, Rodón was a two-time All-American and ACC Pitcher of the Year, winning the 2013 USA Baseball Richard W. “Dick” Case Player of the Year Award. He also represented USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team in 2012 and 2013, going 5–0 with a 0.75 ERA over two summers, including play in Cuba where his family is from.
Carlos Rodón Family
Family Background and Lineage
Rodón’s family has deep Cuban roots. His father immigrated from Cuba in 1967 at the age of five, and his mother is a Cuban-American. The family relocated to North Carolina during his childhood, where he developed into a top pitching prospect.
Personal Life
Rodón married his wife, Ashley, in January 2018 in Costa Rica. The couple has a daughter and two sons together.
2025 Season Performance
Carlos Antonio Rodón’s 2025 campaign marked a strong return to form. He was named the Yankees’ Opening Day starter on March 27 and earned the win against the Milwaukee Brewers, pitching 5.1 innings with seven strikeouts. He was selected to the All-Star Game as a replacement on July 11.
He finished the regular season with an 18–9 record, a 3.09 ERA, and 203 strikeouts in 195.1 innings across 33 starts, cementing his role as a frontline starter in the Yankees’ rotation. Following the Yankees’ postseason elimination on October 16, Rodón underwent surgery to remove a bone spur in his left elbow. He began the 2026 season on the injured list to continue his recovery and was optioned to High-A Hudson Valley for a rehab assignment on April 22.