Detroit Tigers’ Scott Harris, Eduardo Rodriguez spoke before opt out

Detroit Tigers’ Scott Harris Successfully Trades for Veteran Mark Canha

Scott Harris, the president of baseball operations for the Detroit Tigers, has made a noteworthy trade by acquiring veteran utility man Mark Canha from the Milwaukee Brewers on November 5, 2023. This exchange will potentially strengthen the Tigers’ roster.

The clock was ticking as left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez and shortstop Javier Báez were faced with a critical decision. They had to inform the Tigers by a specified deadline if they intended to exercise the opt-out clause in their multi-year contracts. Ultimately, as anticipated, Rodriguez opted out of the remaining three years and $49 million in his five-year contract, while Báez decided to stay.

Rodriguez, who previously used his no-trade clause to veto a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers, engaged in discussions with Scott Harris before reaching his decision. Harris stated, “We had a couple of conversations, Eduardo and I directly, in which we talked about several topics, including the outlook of our team, the progress of our young players, his experience with the Tigers, and other players’ experiences with the team, as well as how his family has adapted to the local area.”

The Tigers were aware of Rodriguez’s value and desire to retain him, but their offer was limited to the remaining years and financial terms of his contract. Therefore, when Rodriguez decided to walk away from the remaining $49 million, it was a difficult but accepted outcome for the Tigers.

During the 2023 season, Rodriguez demonstrated a 3.30 ERA with impressive statistics in his 26 starts. However, a ruptured pulley in his left index finger caused an absence from the game for 36 days. Despite this, when he returned, Rodriguez continued to deliver solid performances on the field.

Meanwhile, there is ongoing communication between Scott Harris and outfielder Austin Meadows. Meadows has struggled with injuries and, while Harris confirmed that they communicated, he did not disclose any concrete details.

Lastly, as the non-tender deadline approaches, the Tigers will soon decide whether to offer Meadows a contract for the 2024 season. The medical updates for Casey Mize, Nick Maton, and Wenceel Pérez indicate a combination of current rehabilitation and prospects for the upcoming seasons.

Reference

David Rodriguez

David Rodriguez brings the excitement of Major League Baseball to readers. With a deep appreciation for America’s pastime, he covers the latest MLB news, scores, and player achievements, keeping fans up to date with their favorite teams and players.