Finally, there’s some positive news for a 35-year-old baseball pitcher! It’s all because the New York Yankees are willing to give him a chance to play in the majors. You might wonder who. Yes, it’s Wilking Rodriguez—a name that might be familiar to some, but not many. It’s been over a decade, and Rodriguez will hope to end his 3900-day odyssey soon. But how?
Wilking Rodriguez, who was found making a debut a few nights earlier, had a perfect innings when playing against the St. Louis Cardinals. It allowed the Yankees to base runners, but no runs. It seems like Rodriguez will probably get a spot in the major league. Think that will work for the Yankees?
Maybe, given the New York Yankees were looking for a pitching option because of the injuries of players like Luis Gil. However, the fundamental problem is that the 35-year-old hurler has never pitched in the major league since his appearance in the two games for the Royals back in the 2014 season.
Since then, he hasn’t graced the league as much as he could. Yet, he provided effective bullpen depth in the minor league. MLB Network insider Joel Sherman shared a post on his X handle as per the New York Post, highlighting the fact that Wilking Rodriguez did not play in the majors for a long time.
However, he is hopeful that he might make an entry into the roster. What makes him think so?
Well, Sherman believes his long absence from the major league may end soon, as he has been throwing the pitch during the New York Yankees’ recent workout sessions. That’s a good sign for a player who has been out for so long and is still showcasing his skills and potential. Despite his past few seasons marred by issues in his shoulders, his return could be an effective depth move for the Yankees.
His minor league stats include 13-29 win-loss, with a 3.73 ERA, 139 G, 364.0 IP, 346 SO, and 1.23 WHIP. As of now, what the Venezuelan has shown in this spring training appears to keep him on the Yankees’ big league roster.
However, Wilking Rodriguez’s inclusion will not solve every issue the Yankees face currently. So, what’s the solution?
The Yankees may need to diversify their roster
The present year sees the New York Yankees having significant changes in their lineup. They are without Juan Soto, Giancarlo Stanton, Luis Gil, and Gleyber Torres, who are key players but used to be poor base runners. Despite hitting 41 home runs for the Yankees in the 2024 season, Soto had been a poor baserunner and a fielder.
And that’s the reason Joel Sherman said, “Without Soto and Stanton, the Yankees are going to have to diversify their offense.”
Think that will make sense?
Definitely!
Given that the Yankees need to focus on improving the infield activities and base running ability, Sherman’s suggestion to diversify the roster can create a positive impact. They would like to get younger players and look at Jazz Chisholm Jr., who was great in 2023, posting 24 home runs, 73 RBIs, and 40 stolen bases at an average of .256.
The Yankees should also explore Jasson Dominguez, Anthony Volpe, and Austin Wells, who could also give the Yankees the much-needed depth they were looking for.
Do you think Wilking Rodriguez can leave some good impact after his inclusion in the major league for the Yankees?
The post MLB Rumors: Yankees Eye Suprising Move as 35-YO Forgotten Star Set to End Decade-Long Hiatus appeared first on EssentiallySports.