Eduardo Rodriguez opts out of deal with Tigers, becomes free agent.
Detroit, MI (PSF) Left handed pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez has declined his option with the Detroit Tigers, therefore making him a free agent and able to sign with any team. Rodriguez walks away from three years and 49 million dollars guaranteed on his current deal with Detroit, and will look to now cash in again on a long term deal after a rocky tenure in the motor city.
Rodriguez was a big time free agent signing for the Tigers when they brought him in, but personal issues kept him away from the team for most of his 2022 season. In 2023 Rodriguez was fantastic for the Tigers, posting a 13-9 record to go along with a career best 3.30 ERA and the lowest WHIP of his career as well. He will turn 31 years old around opening day next season, so he is set up to get a nice pay day once again this winter.
Rodriguez was also the subject of trade rumors around the deadline this year with this opt out looming, he even nixed a trade that would have seen him sent to a contending team in the Los Angeles Dodgers while the Tigers looked to acquire some assets for his services but due to a partial no trade clause in his contract he was able to veto the deal. Now Detroit faces the reality that they may lose Rodriguez for nothing, as unless they intend to attempt to resign him themselves, he will ultimately leave in free agency and sign with another club this winter.