(Audacy) If you’ve been following left-hander Carlos Rodon’s free agency this winter, you’ve might have noticed an odd phenomenon unfolding -- like truly bizarre.
With Cy Young winners Justin Verlander (Mets) and Jacob deGrom (Rangers) both signed, Rodon has emerged as the most coveted arm available. That's for good reason, as he has recorded a dominant 2.66 ERA with a 12.23 strikeouts-per-nine-innings rate over his last two seasons.
Rodon’s market is still developing — the Giants, Dodgers and Yankees are thought to be his most interested suitors with the Red Sox and Phillies both looming as potential dark horses. Maybe the coming days will offer more clarity on what his future holds, but in the meantime, fans are doing their part to sell Rodon on their respective teams, flooding his Venmo account with donations.
Fans are quickly learning that Rodon can’t be bought, as he has been displaying his integrity by returning $5 and $10 at a time -- each and every payment he’s received. So, if you were planning to join the crowdsourcing campaign to bring Rodon to wherever your baseball loyalties lie, you can keep the money.
Though he won’t reap any of the rewards, Rodon admires fans’ efforts, appreciative of their support amid the biggest decision of his professional career. After a one-and-done stint in San Francisco, Rodon is looking to settle down, reportedly seeking a contract of seven or more years. Deals of that length are usually hard to come by, though given his success of late, the former Giants and White Sox ace may be one of the few stars who warrants that kind of commitment.
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