Rodon excited to pitch in New York: 'The fans here want to win'

New York Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodon is anticipating the opportunity to pitch in front of a rabid fan base at Yankee Stadium.

"The fans here want to win. They care. They care a lot," Rodon said, according to NJ.com's Bob Klapisch.

Rodon joined the Yankees on a six-year, $162-million contract in December after spending the 2022 campaign with the San Francisco Giants.

Although Yankees fans have a reputation for expressing their emotions over the team's struggles, Rodon is still excited to perform in front of them after a season on the more laid-back west coast.

"Giants fans are invested, but not like in New York," Rodon said. "Win or lose, you’re not going to get booed in San Francisco."

Over the past few seasons, Rodon has notoriously become one of baseball's more intense hurlers.

"Brash, confident … competitive," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said of Rodon. "He has that fire to him. He comes with that reputation."

Rodon is expected to slot in behind ace Gerrit Cole in New York's rotation this campaign. The 30-year-old, who's coming off a career year with the Giants in 2022, set personal bests in innings pitched (178), wins (14), and fWAR (6.2) over 31 starts last season.