Detroit Tigers and Eduardo Rodriguez engaged in contract restructuring talks, per report

If the two parties come to terms, this could be a swift offseason for the Tigers.

• By
  
  Brandon Day
  
• on November 3, 2023 11:20 pm

Throughout this season, it was highly unlikely for Detroit Tigers’ left-handed pitcher, Eduardo Rodriguez to exercise his three-year, $49 million option on the five-year contract he signed in the 2021-2022 offseason. Following a peculiar situation between Rodriguez and the organization during the 2023 trade deadline, where no renegotiations were mentioned, it seemed improbable for Rodriguez to remain with the Tigers. However, on Friday evening, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported that the Tigers and Rodriguez’s agent, Gene Mato, are engaged in talks about restructuring the contract.

Rodriguez’s original contract was for five years and $72 million, keeping him in Detroit until the 2026 season. However, his representation negotiated a player option after the second year of the deal, which is now up for his decision. He faces a deadline on Saturday to either exercise the option and become an unrestricted free agent or decline it.

During the five days after the World Series, teams have the opportunity to negotiate with their pending free agents before they can engage in talks with other teams. The Tigers are determined to prevent it from reaching that point. The key question is how much Rodriguez wants to stay with the Tigers, and how much Mato expects to add to the original deal.

In his two seasons with the Tigers, Rodriguez has proven to be a valuable asset, becoming Al Avila’s most successful free agent signing during his tenure as General Manager. Despite facing family issues that caused him to be on the restricted list and out of contact with the team in 2022, as well as a hand injury in May 2023, Rodriguez has still managed to pitch 243 2/3 innings with the Tigers. In the 2023 season alone, he pitched 152 2/3 innings and posted a 3.30 ERA and 3.66 FIP, contributing 3.5 WAR according to Baseball Reference and 3.0 WAR according to FanGraphs.

Throughout his two seasons as a Tiger, Rodriguez has accumulated a total of 3.7 WAR according to FanGraphs and Baseball Reference’s calculations, earning $14 million per season. He is currently owed $18 million in 2024, $16 million in 2025, and $15 million in 2026, totaling $49 million.

At just 30 years old, Rodriguez still has several good seasons ahead of him, making him a valuable left-handed starting pitcher. If he decides to opt-out, he could potentially receive a contract offer of five years and $100 million in free agency. It is possible for the Tigers and Rodriguez to agree on a five-year deal worth around $85 million, with potential incentives included.

If a deal is reached, it would solve the Tigers’ biggest concern for the offseason. They would not only retain their rotation and avoid competing with other teams for free agent starters, but also have two talented left-handed starters in their rotation, which is a rare advantage. This would allow the Tigers to focus on adding depth to their rotation and improving their bullpen without having to heavily invest in free agency.

However, there are some factors to consider. Rodriguez’s absence and lack of communication with the team during the 2022 season may have raised concerns. Additionally, there was a clear disconnect regarding Rodriguez’s willingness to waive his no-trade clause during the failed trade with the Dodgers at this year’s trade deadline. Despite these factors, if the reported negotiations are serious and ongoing, it suggests that both the Tigers and Rodriguez are still interested in working together and reaching an agreement.

Retaining Rodriguez may not be the most exciting move, but he appears to enjoy playing in Detroit and has gained popularity among his teammates. He values stability and familiarity for himself and his family, which makes the Tigers a potentially good fit for him. If the two parties reach an agreement, it would make for a quieter offseason, allowing the Tigers’ front office to focus on making improvements in other areas without getting caught up in intense bidding wars. We should find out within the next 24 hours if a deal has been reached.

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