Eduardo Rodriquez: Rumored to opt out of contract with Tigers
(New York Post) (Jared Greenspan)
Eduardo Rodriquez, Detroit Tigers left-handed pitcher, is expected to opt out of his contract with the organization. The Tigers signed Rodriquez before the 2022 season to a five-year contract worth $77 million; if Rodriquez does opt-out as expected, he is forfeiting the remaining three-year $49 million on his contract. Rodriquez was reportedly in a trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers before the deadline but vetoed the business, choosing to stay in Detroit. Rodriquez claimed that he wanted to stay close to his family, leading to him vetoing the trade, but his being rumored to opt out in hindsight is most likely why.
(Duane Burleson/AP) (Getty Images)
Upon arriving in Detriot, Rodriquez debuted with the Boston Red Sox in 2015 and stayed with the club until he signed with Detroit ahead of the 2022 season. Throughout Rodriquez's time with the Red Sox, he was 64-39 with a 4.16 ERA and received Cy Young votes in the 2019 season, placing sixth.
In Rodriquez's first season with the Tigers, he was a solid piece in Detroit's rotation. In 2022, Rodriquez started 17 games, posting a 4.05 ERA (earned run average), throwing 91 innings with 72 strikeouts and 34 walks. Rodriquez only pitched 17 games due to a rib cage injury that kept the southpaw out from June 13, 2022, to August 19, 2022.
(Lindsey Wasson) (USA TODAY Sports) (Getty Images)
Rodriquez had a career year in what may be his final season with the Tigers, even with his struggles after the all-star break. Before the all-star break, Rodriquez had 11 starts, posting a 2.64 ERA. Even with Rodriquez's slower second half, he still put up career numbers; Rodriquez ended the 2023 season with 26 starts, posting a 3.30 ERA with 143 strikeouts and 48 walks, and gave up 128 hits in 152.2 innings.
Rodriquez opting out is a massive loss for the Tiger, with Rodriquez being one of the best left-handed pitchers in baseball. On the other hand, Rodriquez is looking to get a big paycheck in the off-season as he will be one of the most intriguing pitchers on the market. It will be interesting to see what team the lefty lands on, as the Mets and Dodgers are both teams that will likely show the most interest, with some other organizations likely to take a shot as well.
