Yankees Make 40-Man Roster Move to Add Carlos Rodón
With one memorable press conference at Yankee Stadium coming to an end, the preparation for another one begins.
The Yankees welcomed Aaron Judge back to the organization on Wednesday morning, making the slugger's nine-year deal official while naming the outfielder captain.
As the festivities at Yankee Stadium came to a close—with owner Hal Steinbrenner telling reporters that New York isn't finished adding to this roster—the Yankees formally announced that they have signed left-hander Carlos Rodón to a six-year contract. Rodón will be introduced in a separate presser on Thursday.
Rodón is New York's second significant splash on the open market this winter, an ace-caliber starter that agreed to a $162 million deal to don pinstripes. It's an addition that takes the Yankees' starting rotation from great to elite, adding depth that can bring the best out of every arm in the staff, even Frankie Montas.
As the Yankees move forward with Rodón, the team needed to make some space on their roster. After officially signing Judge and Rodón, in addition to the retention of Anthony Rizzo, New York had 41 players on their 40-man roster. That's without reliever Tommy Kahnle, who agreed to a two-year deal that isn't official yet.
To open a slot for Rodón, New York designated reliever Junior Fernández for assignment. The Yankees claimed Fernández earlier this offseason off waivers, a right-hander with some untapped potential and a speedy sinker.
Again, Kahnle still needs to be added, meaning more roster moves are on the horizon.
The Yankees can open spots on their 40-man in a variety of ways. There are a few players that are destined to be placed on the 60-day injured list—like reliever Scott Effross after his Tommy John surgery, for instance. New York can always designate some other assets for assignment as well. Could this mean the end of the road within the Yankees organization for former prospects like Albert Abreu, Deivi García or Estevan Florial?
It's also possible that the Yankees are finalizing a trade. New York's general manager Brian Cashman has been working the phones all offseason, trying to get rid of certain contracts—namely Josh Donaldson and Aaron Hicks—while striving to fill a hole in left field.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Rodón is listed on New York's team site with No. 55, the number he wore over his first seven big-league seasons with the Chicago White Sox. Yankees right-hander Domingo Germán—who is out of minor league options and currently sits on the outside of New York's pitching staff equation—is also listed with No. 55.
MORE:
- Yankees Name Aaron Judge 16th Captain in Franchise History
- Yankees Could Fill Left Field Vacancy With One of These Remaining Free Agents
- 6 Outfielders the Yankees Could Trade For
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