MLB rumours: Former Red Sox pitcher could get ‘big haul’ from Tigers in trade market

Eduardo Rodríguez could be in the market after a meteoric start with the Detroit Tigers.

Rodríguez, who spent most of his career pitching for the Boston Red Sox (six years) before signing a five-year, $77 million deal with the Tigers in 2021, has skyrocketed his stock during his 30-year season in Detroit. The southpaw is 4-2 with a 1.57 ERA, going over seven innings in four of his eight total starts, allowing no earned runs on each occasion.

Unsurprisingly, Rodríguez should generate early trade interest, months before the Major League Baseball trade deadline, which could help the Tigers seek a strong trade return. Rodríguez owes $49 million over the next three seasons, making it a no-brainer for any team looking for a starting rotation boost.

“He’s a logical candidate, probably number 1 (for starting pitchers),” said Jon Heyman of the New York Post, per MLB Network Video. “…We’ll have to keep an eye on that, but he’s certainly been spectacular, 2.5 WAR, leads all pitchers, 1.57 ERA, second to Sonny Gray, .79 WHIP.” He’s been a clear ace so far. They can get a big, big loot for Eduardo Rodríguez if they decide to trade him.

In his last six outings, Rodríguez has had a 0.43 ERA, allowing just two runs in 41 2/3 innings pitched.

While Rodríguez’s remaining contract money is attractive, there is an impending factor that could backfire, which teams will likely consider before calling Detroit’s front office. Rodríguez has an opt-out after this season, meaning he could retest the free agency market after what was the eight-year veteran’s career-best campaign.

Therefore, shipping goods to Detroit could turn against us in the months to come.

Again, the Tigers aren’t exactly in tank mode. Detroit entered Tuesday 19-21, good for second-place American League Central, just three games behind the first-place Minnesota Twins. So while Rodríguez will likely generate plenty of contenders before the deadline, Detroit could easily choose to hold on to him and pursue a surprise playoff run.

Last season, Rodríguez suffered a ribcage injury in May and then walked away from the Tigers for personal reasons, quickly creating the perception that Detroit had gone broke on its $77 million investment. But now the narrative has quickly changed and at this rate Rodríguez has rightfully earned his way to premature talks about the season’s awards, including his first-ever consideration for the All-Star Game.