The New York Yankees and right-hander Wilking Rodríguez have reached an agreement on a minor league contract, according to Aram Leighton of Just Baseball. Rodríguez will also receive an invitation to participate in Major League spring training, seeking a new opportunity in his career.
An Interest That Comes From Years Ago
Rodríguez He is not a stranger to the Yankees. In August 2022, the team had already signed him with a similar agreement after an outstanding performance with the Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos in the Mexican League. In that season, Rodríguez posted an impressive 2.01 ERA in 44 2/3 innings, striking out 43.2% of batters faced and maintaining a 7.7% walk rate. His performance caught the attention of not only the Yankees, but also the St. Louis Cardinals, who selected him in the 2022 Rule 5 Draft.
Rodríguez’s case was peculiar. At 33 years old, he was an unconventional pick for the Rule 5 Draft, usually intended for younger players. Although Rodríguez had made his major league debut in 2014 with the Kansas City Royals, he pitched just two innings before spending years away from affiliated baseball.
The Obstacles in the Path of Wilking Rodríguez
Rodriguez’s time with the Cardinals did not go as expected. Shoulder surgery kept him out for the entire 2023 season, and after being removed from the roster, he returned to the team on a minor league contract. The 2024 season was also difficult, limited to just 13 appearances due to recurring injuries.
However, Rodríguez has shown signs of recovery in winter ball, reaching speeds of up to 97 miles per hour with his fastball. This resurgence has once again caught the attention of the Yankees, who have decided to give him another chance to prove his worth in 2025.
Bullpen Depth
The signing of Rodríguez comes at a time when the Yankees have already strengthened their bullpen with the acquisition of closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers. However, teams need pitching depth over a long season, and the Yankees’ recent injury history underscores the importance of having additional arms in the minor leagues.
While Rodriguez has an uphill road to returning to the Major Leagues, his experience and recent improvement in his fastball velocity could make him an interesting piece for the Yankees. At 35 years old, the right-hander will seek to take advantage of this new opportunity to revive his career and contribute to the team’s success.
A Resurgence in the Bronx?
The agreement between the Yankees and Wilking Rodríguez represents a low-risk bet but with potential. If he can stay healthy and regain the form he showed in the Mexican League, he could be a valuable asset to the team during the season. For Rodríguez, this is a new page in a career full of challenges, and spring training will be his best showcase to show that he still has something to offer Major League Baseball.