Position: LHP
Born: 12/10/1992
Ht: 6’3″ Wt: 234 lb
Acquired: Drafted 1st round (3rd overall) in the 2014 draft out of North Carolina State
Career Stats
FutureSox Prospect Rankings
- #1 – 2014 Midseason
- #1 – 2015 Preseason
FutureSox Media
- Draft day story, June 2014
- Rodon signs for $6,582,000 bonus, July 2014
- Video interview (Soxfest), Jan, 2015
- Deep dive into Rodon’s journey to the White Sox, April 2015
- Injury update, May 2019
- Pivot in a pennant chase: A case for Carlos Rodon in the bullpen, Sept. 2020
- Carlos Rodon’s departure signals new kinds of hope, Dec. 2020
- All FutureSox articles tagged Carlos Rodon
Scouting Report
Rodon was arguably the top prospect in the 2014 draft class, but fell to the Sox at No. 3 and they pounced. He signed for $6,582,000, the biggest signing bonus in franchise history at the time and the biggest signing bonus in that year’s draft. The left-hander dominated as a sophomore as North Carolina State, and by relative standards took a step back as a junior.
His 2014 pro debut was impressive: going from Rookie to A+ to Triple-A, he struck out a whopping 38 batters in 24.2 innings, posting a 2.92 ERA. The walks were a little higher than you’d like to see (4.7 BB/9), but considering his fast ascent it shouldn’t indicate much more than a need for a little more refinement.
Rodon made his MLB debut in 2015 and posted a competent 4.07 ERA as a starter in 139.1 innings. However, inconsistency and multiple significant injuries have prevented Rodon from improving upon that. After another major injury comeback in 2020, Rodon’s stuff appeared to take a step back and the White Sox did not tender him a contract after the season.
In addition to a mid 90s fastball, Rodon’s slider is a truly plus pitch and possibly the best single pitch in the entire draft class. He also features a change up that flashes plus potential and a curve. He is strong and physically mature and ultra-competitive.