Despite signing their new ace to a historic contract, he won't be the one opening up the season for the New York Yankees.

TAMPA, Fla. – With Yankees ace Gerrit Cole out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery earlier in the week, lefthander Carlos Rodon will get the Opening Day nod for the Yankees on March 27. Manager Aaron Boone made the announcement before Friday night’s Grapefruit League game against the Phillies at Steinbrenner Field.

After a disastrous initial season with the Yankees in 2023 that included a 6.85 ERA while dealing with various injuries, Rodon bounced back to his typical self in 2024. Though he was still a bit volatile, he posted a solid 3.96 ERA with 195 strikeouts, 57 walks and a 1.22 WHIP in 175 innings across 32 starts.