BOONE NAMES HIS OPENING DAY STARTER

Carlos Rodon is getting the ball on Opening Day for the New York Yankees, and honestly, I love that for him. Sure, Max Fried is probably the better pitcher—more consistent, more dominant, fewer question marks. But this moment isn’t about Fried. This is about Rodon, a guy who battled through a forgettable 2024 and now has a golden opportunity to reset the narrative.

Manager Aaron Boone made it official, slotting Rodon at the top of the rotation, with Fried following. "Honestly, it’s just the first game of the season," Rodon said, doing his best to downplay the assignment. But he couldn’t quite hide his excitement, adding that it’s "an honor" to get the ball to kick things off.

With Marcus Stroman locked into the No. 3 spot, the back end of the rotation is still in flux. Rookie Will Warren and veteran Carlos Carrasco are battling for the final spot, with Luis Gil (strained lat) not expected back until June or July.

Carrasco has been making a strong case to stick around. In his latest spring training start, he fanned six Phillies in 3.1 innings, allowing just one run on two hits and a walk. He also hit two batters—perhaps a subtle reminder that he still has some edge. Boone called Carrasco’s spring "encouraging," which is manager-speak for "we’re intrigued, but let’s see if it lasts."

Meanwhile, Rodon’s numbers this spring haven’t been pretty—5.1 innings, six earned runs, nine hits, and five walks. Not exactly ace material. But Boone and the coaching staff see more than just the stat line. They believe his arsenal is evolving in a way that will pay off when the real games begin.

And look, let’s be honest. Fried is the guy you want in a must-win game. But Opening Day? That’s about setting a tone, and Rodon needs this moment more than anyone. The Yankees are giving him a chance to reclaim his dominance, and maybe, just maybe, he’ll run with it. For now, he’s the guy leading the charge out of the gate, and that’s a story worth watching.