Carlos Antonio Rodón isn’t just another left-handed flamethrower in Major League Baseball — he’s one of the league’s most compelling modern-day stories. A pitcher defined by intensity, perseverance, and a devastating slider, Rodón has built a career filled with highs, lows, comebacks, and unforgettable moments.
Born on December 10, 1992, in Miami, Florida, Carlos Rodón grew up in a Cuban-American household where determination was practically the family motto. His father immigrated from Cuba in the late 1960s, building a life through resilience and grit — qualities Carlos would later take to the mound with him.
Today, fans know him as one of MLB’s fiercest competitors, a three-time All-Star, and a key piece in the New York Yankees’ rotation. But behind the ballplayer is a family-driven man with deep cultural roots and an off-field mission that’s just as meaningful as his on-field accomplishments.
Early Life and Family Background
Before he was striking out big-league hitters, Carlos Rodón was a kid with a big dream and an even bigger arm. His family relocated from Miami to Holly Springs, North Carolina, where he spent most of his childhood. Even as a teenager, Rodón’s potential was unmistakable — scouts knew his name before he was old enough to vote.
Rodón’s Cuban heritage played a key role in shaping his worldview. His father, a hardworking immigrant who valued structure and discipline, encouraged him to channel dedication into his craft. His mother — Cuban-American and equally supportive — helped shape the foundation of the family unit that Carlos credits for his work ethic.
This strong family background would later influence the kind of father, husband, and community figure Carlos Rodón became.
College Stardom: How Rodón Became a Pitching Phenomenon
Carlos Rodón’s journey to professional baseball truly ignited once he stepped foot on the campus of NC State University. His freshman season in 2012 was the kind of breakout that players spend years chasing. Instead, Rodón delivered dominance from day one.
Freshman Year Achievements
- 9–0 record
- 1.57 ERA
- 135 strikeouts in 114.2 innings
- ACC Pitcher of the Year (first freshman in history to win it)
- ACC Freshman of the Year
By the time he finished his college career, Rodón held 436 career strikeouts, a school record that still stands tall. His velocity, command, and especially the slider — a pitch that would later define his MLB identity — captivated scouts.
By the 2014 MLB Draft, there was little debate: Carlos Rodón was going to be a star.
MLB Draft and Early Career: When It All Began
Carlos Rodón Dates Joined (Teams & Timeline)
- 2014 – Drafted by the Chicago White Sox, 3rd overall
- 2015 – MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox
- 2022 – Signs with the San Francisco Giants
- December 2022 – Signs a 6-year, $162 million deal with the New York Yankees
- 2023–Present – Pitcher for the Yankees
Joining the White Sox organization marked the beginning of Rodón’s professional climb. His rookie season in 2015 showcased his raw power, fierce competitiveness, and glimpses of the All-Star pitcher he would eventually become.
But his path wasn’t linear. Injuries popped up. Mechanics shifted. Confidence wavered. And yet, Rodón kept coming back — each time sharper, tougher, and hungrier.
The No-Hitter That Changed Everything
On April 14, 2021, baseball fans witnessed a performance for the ages. Pitching for the White Sox, Rodón delivered a no-hitter against Cleveland — missing a perfect game by just one hit-by-pitch in the ninth inning.
It was a moment drenched in triumph, emotion, and redemption. Rodón, who had previously struggled with injuries and inconsistency, suddenly proved he was elite. The baseball world collectively nodded — this was a comeback story worth watching.
The no-hitter reignited his career and led directly to his ascent as one of MLB’s premier pitchers.
Carlos Rodón Stats: A Career Defined by Strikeouts & Firepower
As of the 2025 MLB season, Carlos Rodón has built an impressive statistical résumé. His numbers showcase both longevity and dominance.
Career Stats Highlights
- Win–loss record: 93–72
- Career ERA: approx. 3.73
- Career strikeouts: 1,409+
- Three-time All-Star: 2021, 2022, 2025
2025 Season Specifics (One of his strongest seasons)
- Win–loss: 18–9
- ERA: 3.09
- Strikeouts: 203
Pitching Style
Rodón’s arsenal is one of the most feared in baseball:
- 42% Four-Seam Fastball
- 28% Slider (his signature weapon)
- 16% Changeup
- 10% Sinker
When his slider is sharp, batters practically walk back to the dugout shaking their heads. That pitch alone has carved him a place among baseball’s strikeout specialists.
Carlos Rodón Height, Age, and Physical Profile
Fans often search for Rodón’s physical stats, so here they are clearly laid out:
- Height: 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
- Weight: ~255 lbs (115 kg)
- Bats/Throws: Left/Left
- Birthday: December 10, 1992
- Age: 32 (as of 2025)
He’s built like a classic power pitcher — strong shoulders, powerful legs, and a physique that helps generate the torque behind that electric slider.
Joining the Yankees: A New Era
When the New York Yankees signed Carlos Rodón to a massive $162 million contract, the baseball world buzzed. New York doesn’t hand out that kind of deal unless they believe in you — fully.
For Rodón, it was both a career milestone and a challenge. Pitching in New York comes with scrutiny, pressure, media heat, and sky-high expectations. But Yankees fans know one thing: Rodón never shies away from intensity.
Even when he faced struggles or injuries in his early Yankees tenure, he worked relentlessly to return stronger. By 2025, he delivered one of his best seasons to date — proving that the Yankees’ investment was more than justified.
Carlos Rodón Wife: Meet Ashley Rodón
Behind every great athlete is a support system — and for Carlos Rodón, that pillar is his wife, Ashley Rodón (née Paddock). The two married in January 2018 in a stunning ceremony in Costa Rica, and they have built a life centered around love, resilience, and family.
Ashley isn’t just “the wife of a baseball star.” She is a powerhouse in her own right — actively involved in philanthropy and co-founder of a deeply personal initiative.
The Willow Grant Foundation
Carlos and Ashley founded The Willow Grant, a foundation dedicated to supporting couples facing infertility and family-planning challenges. Their mission was inspired by their own experiences starting a family.
This work has made Ashley a strong voice for families struggling silently — providing financial help, emotional support, and awareness.
Carlos Rodón Family and Children
Family is the heart of Rodón’s world. Despite the chaotic schedules of MLB life, he prioritizes time with his loved ones.
Carlos and Ashley have three children:
- One daughter
- Two sons
The couple often shares glimpses of family moments — from ballpark visits to foundation events — showing the softer, human side of the player fans often only see in fierce game-mode.
Rodón has said repeatedly that becoming a father changed his outlook on life and baseball. It deepened his gratitude, influenced his resilience, and strengthened his commitment to giving back.
His family legacy — rooted in Cuban heritage, hard work, and compassion — continues through his children.
Injuries, Surgery, and Fighting Back
Rodón’s career hasn’t been smooth. Like many top pitchers, he’s dealt with injuries — including a notable elbow issue that required surgery in October 2025. Doctors removed a bone spur in his left elbow, and while the incident meant he could miss the start of the 2026 season, Rodón has never been deterred by setbacks.
In true Rodón fashion, he has approached recovery with focus and determination. Fans and analysts widely expect him to return strong — possibly stronger.
Legacy: Why Carlos Rodón’s Story Matters
Carlos Rodón represents more than impressive stats or million-dollar contracts. His story — from Cuban roots to college dominance, from injury battles to no-hit glory, from personal family struggles to philanthropic leadership — paints a portrait of a well-rounded and inspiring figure.
His impact reaches beyond the mound:
- As a husband, he supports Ashley in philanthropy and parenting.
- As a father, he builds a loving and grounded home.
- As a competitor, he brings fire, passion, and electrifying talent.
- As a role model, he shows resilience through life’s toughest stretches.
Whether in a Yankees jersey or during charity work, Carlos Rodón stands as a dynamic figure who continues to shape the world of baseball both on and off the field.
Conclusion: The Story of Carlos Rodón Continues
Carlos Rodón’s journey is still being written. At 32 years old, with years of baseball ahead and a firm place in MLB history already established, his future looks bright. Fans will continue tracking his performances, his comeback from surgery, and his legacy as one of the most impactful left-handed pitchers of his generation.
And for readers who want to keep following stories like this — be sure to check out Infory, where deep-dive sports profiles and athlete stories come to life.