The always eventful MLB free agency is slowly taking off. According to multiple reports, the Detroit Tigers snatched left-hand pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez and have an agreement with the former Boston Red Sox player for a five-year deal that is worth around $77 million.
Rodriguez’s deal reportedly contains an opt-out after the 2023 MLB season. The 28-year-old will also have a chance to up his earnings by $3 million based on incentives.
Rodriguez spent seven seasons with the Red Sox but played only six after sitting out 2020 due to coronavirus pandemic. He has a 64-39 career record with Boston while boosting 4.16 ERA and 892 strikeouts. The Venezuela native was part of the team that won the World Series in 2018.
Despite missing the entire 2020, Rodriguez had a solid campaign this year. He finished the season with a 13-8 record in 31 starts and posted a 4.74 ERA with 185 strikeouts.
The deal with Rodriguez might turn out to be quite a coup for the Detroit Tigers, considering he fits well with their young core. He is also a “well-established starter,” something that was the franchise’s main goal in the free agency, according to general manager Al Avila.
Rodriguez was reportedly an in-demand player in recent days, with teams like the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Angels being interested in his services. The Red Sox also presented him with a multi-year offer, according to several sources.
