Former Detroit Tigers Ace Makes Big Announcement as Free Agency Opens

As free agency opens up this offseason, now-former Detroit Tigers ace Eduardo Rodriguez says there are no geographic restrictions for him.

Per Jon Morosi of MLB Network:

Source: LHP Eduardo Rodríguez has informed teams he has no geographic restrictions in free agency.

That is encouraging for the Dodgers and Giants, who are already active on starting pitchers.

Notably, the Dodgers nearly traded for Rodríguez at the deadline. @MLBNetwork @MLB

Source: LHP Eduardo Rodríguez has informed teams he has no geographic restrictions in free agency.

That is encouraging for the Dodgers and Giants, who are already active on starting pitchers.

Notably, the Dodgers nearly traded for Rodríguez at the deadline.@MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 8, 2023

The Dodgers did trade for Rodriguez at the deadline, only to have him utilize his no-trade clause and stay in Detroit. At season's end, Rodriguez opted out of his contract with the Tigers in order to hit free agency.

Though he spent some time on the injured list, Rodriguez is coming off a productive season in Detroit. He made 26 starts, going 13-9 with a 3.30 ERA. He struck out 143 batters in 152.2 innings pitched.

He had signed with Detroit before the 2022 season after a successful tenure with the Boston Red Sox.

Rodriguez pitched with the Boston organization from 2015-2021, though he missed 2020 after being diagnosed with Myocarditis. Lifetime, he is 82-53 with a 4.03 ERA. He helped the Red Sox win the World Series during the 2018 season and won 19 games in the 2019 season.

The Dodgers could certainly use starting pitching this offseason after getting swept in the NLDS this October. Lance Lynn is a free agent, as is Julio Urias. The team also is dealing with injuries to Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin and Clayton Kershaw.

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