If there’s one sport where players can step away from their careers and still make a comeback years later, it’s baseball. But make no mistake, these athletes don’t simply stop playing altogether. Many continue competing in minor leagues or sign minor-league contracts with MLB franchises. That’s precisely the case with one player reportedly linked to a potential return to the league with the New York Yankees, potentially joining forces with Aaron Judge.
The Yankees have faced significant injury setbacks during spring training. With Gerrit Cole sidelined for the season, Giancarlo Stanton expected to return sometime after Opening Day, and Clark Schmidt’s status still uncertain, New York may have to explore alternative options within their roster to start the season.
One unexpected name on manager Aaron Boone’s radar could be Wilking Rodriguez, who hasn’t played professionally in 10 years. According to a report from the New York Post’s Joel Sherman, the pitcher from Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, is being considered for a return to MLB. Rodriguez last appeared in the majors with the Kansas City Royals in 2014.
“The Yankees were so impressed with the stuff and all reports on Rodríguez’s makeup [he was playing in an independent league in Mexico] that they told him they wanted to sign him and give him a chance to make their postseason roster,” Sherman reported.
Wilking Rodriguez #74 of the New York Yankees poses for a portrait during the New York Yankees Photo Day at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 18, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.
Rodriguez’s Journey to Earn a Spot with the Yankees
According to Sherman’s report, Rodriguez has been striving to return to MLB since 2022. His comeback attempt faced several setbacks, including multiple surgeries and tough decisions. After being selected by the Cardinals in the MLB Rule 5 Draft from the Yankees’ roster, Rodriguez encountered yet another obstacle, a fourth shoulder surgery.
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“He felt so bad about it that he re-signed with St. Louis again for the 2024 season but failed to make the team,” Sherman reported. Despite the disappointment, Rodriguez’s persistence paid off when he signed a minor league contract with the Yankees in December. Now, after appearing in five spring training games, he has a legitimate shot at earning a place on the roster.
With injuries affecting several key players and the Yankees eager to strengthen their bullpen, Rodriguez could become one of the rare MLB players to successfully stage a comeback after a prolonged absence. However, with the season fast approaching, the team is still monitoring the status of other players on the injury list before finalizing decisions.
Rodriguez’s spring training performance: A potential teammate for Judge
Despite being 35 years old and inactive for six years, Rodriguez has shown he still has plenty to offer. Supported by key figures within the organization, he has delivered promising performances in his five spring training appearances.
Rodriguez has posted a 3.86 ERA with one finished game, allowing four hits and six runs. He has also walked two batters and surrendered two home runs. However, his five strikeouts across 4.2 innings pitched, facing 22 batters, present a compelling case for manager Aaron Boone as he considers bullpen options.
Could Rodriguez make his long-awaited MLB return after 3,947 days when the season begins? Time will tell, but his determination and recent form have certainly put him back in the conversation.
