⚡ INSIDER UPDATE: Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodón quietly made an unexpected off field gesture this MLB offseason that left teammates frozen in surprise and staff whispering in the hallways. Those close to the clubhouse say this single act may have changed the way the entire locker room looks at him from now on.

The New York Yankees are heading into 2026 with full confidence in their pitching staff, especially once right-hander Gerrit Cole returns from injury.

A major reason for that optimism is left-hander Carlos Rodon, who just completed his third season in pinstripes and continues to thrive in the middle of the rotation.

The 32-year-old veteran earned his first All-Star selection in New York in 2025 after a dominant first half.

Over the full season, Rodon posted a 3.09 ERA with an 18–9 record, striking out 203 batters across 195 1/3 innings. He is under contract for three more years after signing a six-year, $162 million deal in December 2022.

Yankees' Carlos Rodon Shares Off-Field Gesture Amid MLB Offseason — New York Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodon (55)

As Rodon enters the offseason, his focus has momentarily shifted away from baseball as he continues to make an impact on his community through the Rodon Foundation, which he and his wife, Ashley, founded. On Tuesday, the foundation received a boost from “Talkin’ Yanks,” a Yankees-centered podcast produced by Jomboy Media.

In a collaborative post on Instagram, Ashley Rodon, the foundation and “Talkin’ Yanks” announced that, in honor of Giving Tuesday, any items purchased from the Jomboy Media shop would help support the Rodon Foundation.

“Today is Giving Tuesday so 10% of proceeds on all Yankees apparel at shop.jomboymedia.com will go to The Rodon Foundation, which supports families facing infertility,” the post read, alongside a graphic featuring Rodon-themed shirts available for fans to purchase.

Rodon himself amplified the message by reposting the gesture on his Instagram story, encouraging supporters to join the cause.

The Rodon Foundation is dedicated to supporting families facing infertility. The couple launched the initiative to provide financial assistance, resources and awareness for those navigating the challenges of starting a family.

Through fundraising events, partnerships and community outreach, the foundation works to ease the emotional and financial burdens associated with infertility treatments. By leveraging Carlos’ platform as a professional athlete, the Rodon Foundation continues to uplift families and inspire hope.

Rodon has carved out an impressive 11-year career in MLB since debuting with the Chicago White Sox in 2015. Known as one of the league’s best pitchers, he relies on a powerful fastball, sharp slider and effective changeup to generate swings and misses.

His dominance earned him a sixth-place finish in American League Cy Young voting in 2025. Now with the Yankees, Rodon is viewed as a key piece in helping end the franchise’s World Series drought dating back to 2009.

Related: Yankees’ Carlos Rodon Receives Honor Outside of MLB

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 2, 2025, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.