The New York Yankees have one of baseball’s fiercest competitors on the mound in Carlos Rodón, but this week the left-hander earned recognition for something far more impactful than strikeouts. MLB announced Rodón as the Yankees’ 2025 nominee for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award, honoring his efforts to help families facing infertility and pregnancy loss.
Honoring Clemente’s Legacy Through the Rodón Foundation
Each year, MLB gives the Roberto Clemente Award to the player who best represents the spirit of the game through character, philanthropy, and community impact. The award carries the name of Puerto Rican legend Roberto Clemente, who died in 1972 while delivering aid to Nicaragua after a devastating earthquake. Every team nominates one player, and this year’s class features players tackling causes such as cancer research, youth education, and disaster relief.
For Rodón, the mission is personal. In 2024, he and his wife, Ashley, launched the Carlos Rodón Foundation after they endured the heartbreak of pregnancy loss and fertility treatments. The foundation supports couples navigating similar struggles by providing financial resources and emotional assistance.
At the center of the Rodóns’ work stands the “Willow Grant,” named in honor of their daughter Willow. The program annually offers $10,000 to $20,000 to 25 eligible couples who experienced pregnancy loss but continue their journey to build a family. Families across the New York metro area and throughout the Carolinas have already received crucial help from the program.
Rodón also uses his platform to raise awareness. Through social media campaigns and foundation events, he sparks conversations around miscarriage and fertility challenges—topics often stigmatized or overlooked. That openness has encouraged families while also driving fundraising.
The foundation’s annual Willow Gala has quickly become its most successful fundraiser. Held in Greenwich, Conn., the gala generated $150,000 in 2024 and $560,000 in 2025, bringing the two-year total past $710,000. Those funds allowed the foundation to expand partnerships with clinics and nonprofits, helping more families than ever.
A Recognition That Extends Beyond the Field
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Rodón doesn’t limit his impact to his foundation. This June, he joined his Yankees teammates during the club’s annual HOPE (Helping Others Persevere & Excel) Week initiative. He volunteered with Bottomless Closet, a New York City nonprofit that helps women prepare for the workforce. Rodón coached clients through job interview practice and helped them select professional clothing for their next steps.
On the mound, Rodón continues to rack up innings and big performances, but MLB took notice of what he has done off the field. The Clemente Award honors players who embody compassion, leadership, and service—the very values Rodón has consistently shown through his foundation and community work.
“Congrats to Carlos Rodón for being named our 2025 Roberto Clemente Nominee!” the Yankees posted on social media, celebrating his commitment to families facing infertility and pregnancy loss.
Winning the award would mark a career milestone, but the nomination itself already places Rodón among the game’s most respected figures. More importantly, his story of resilience and generosity continues to inspire countless families.
For the Yankees, Rodón is more than a frontline starter. He’s a leader in the clubhouse, a champion for families in need, and a worthy candidate for baseball’s most meaningful honor.
Yankees’ Pitcher Named Clemente Award Nominee for Inspiring Foundation Work