After opting out of his contract with the Tigers, Eduardo Rodriguez is now a free agent seeking a more lucrative deal on the open market. Two years into his five-year, $77 million contract with the Detroit Tigers, the left-hander exercised his player opt-out, making him available in free agency.
Rodriguez faced a challenging first season with the Tigers, with stints on the injured and restricted lists limiting him to just 17 starts. However, he staged a comeback in the second year, delivering a solid performance with a 13-9 record, 3.30 ERA, 3.66 FIP, and a 3.0 fWAR across 26 starts.
As Rodriguez hits the open market, questions arise about his durability, with expectations that he’s more likely to pitch around 155 innings than reach the 200-inning mark. A notable incident during the previous season saw Rodriguez using his no-trade clause to block a midseason deal to the Los Angeles Dodgers, adding an element of uncertainty.
Predictions for Rodriguez’s free agency suggest a potential four-year, $80 million deal. Several teams are speculated to be interested in securing his services, offering a chance for the 30-year-old pitcher to continue making an impact.
1. **St. Louis Cardinals:**
– The Cardinals have already made significant signings in the offseason, including Sonny Gray, Kyle Gibson, and Lance Lynn. Despite these acquisitions, they are reportedly still interested in trading for Dylan Cease from the White Sox. Signing Rodriguez could provide an additional rotation upgrade without the need to dip into the farm system.
2. **Boston Red Sox:**
– Rodriguez spent eight seasons in the Red Sox organization, winning a World Series in 2018. A reunion could be on the cards as the Red Sox aim to improve their rotation, with all projected members finishing the 2023 campaign with an ERA over 4.00.
3. **New York Mets:**
– The Mets, under new leadership, have shown interest in Rodriguez during free agency. After trading away key pitchers in the past summer, the Mets seem keen on bolstering their rotation through free-agent acquisitions.
4. **Cincinnati Reds:**
– The Reds, under owner Bob Castellini’s plans to invest more in the offseason, could benefit from adding a veteran arm to their rotation. With a mix of young talent and experienced pitching, Rodriguez could contribute to their postseason aspirations.
5. **Arizona Diamondbacks:**
– The Diamondbacks, seeking to improve their rotation depth, could find Rodriguez as a valuable addition. His presence could serve as insurance for their existing pitchers and potentially help them compete in the NL West.
The free-agent market awaits Rodriguez, offering him a chance to secure a new chapter in his career with a team that sees his potential and impact on the field.
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