The return of SP Carlos Rodon was probably the most unexpected news of the offseason. When the White Sox announced they had signed a pitcher, Rodon was the last person White Sox fans saw coming. Rodon never lived up to his hype after being drafted 3rd overall in 2014, but he will get a clean slate coming into 2021. This season, the White Sox have a whole new coaching staff that might be able to lock into Rodon’s potential.
Rodon has been snake-bit his whole career. He has yet to pitch a full season, mostly due to injury. Rodon has amassed an underwhelming 29-43 record and a career ERA of 4.14 with 525 strikeouts in 536.2 innings pitched. These numbers aren’t good, but Rodon will no longer have the pressure of being the staff’s ace. The White Sox haven’t released their 2021 rotation, but, at most, he will hold down the fifth spot. I think this new change of pace could do wonders for Rodon.
The White Sox only spent 3 million to take a one-year chance on the former top pick. In addition, Rodon is walking into the most talented team he has ever been on. Unlike previous seasons, this team will score runs for him and will no longer need to be near perfect for a chance to record a win. The White Sox offense is loaded, and the improved bullpen will help hold any leads Rodon may have.
I’m not a huge Rodon fan overall, but I think the move is a good (cheap) choice until SP Michael Kopech is ready to make his 2021 debut. Rodon, a left-handed pitcher, can also give depth to the bullpen once Kopech is called up. To my friends on social media: Rodon will have little impact on this team and its overall goals. He is a placeholder with upside. Just maybe, Rodon can take the bull by the horns and become one of the better signings the White Sox made in 2021.