Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are the perfect fit for Carlos Rodon in free agency.
The Detroit Tigers have signaled that they are spending money this offseason. With a young and hungry team that overachieved last season, Detroit seems to be on the cusp of taking the next step. Their front office seems to think so too.
They inked a deal with left-handed pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez to a five-year deal. Rodriguez finished sixth in the Cy Young voting in 2019. Adding him to a pitching staff that already includes the talented young arm of Casey Mize will help bolster the rotation. The addition of Carlos Rodon would help round it out.
The Tigers ranked 17th in team ERA in 2021 with a 4.32 mark. They could certainly use the boost in the rotation. Rodón would give the Tigers three legitimate starting pitchers which could be enough for the team to compete for a Wild Card spot if their offense continues to improve and their prospects pan out.
The Tigers could have some more strikeout pitchers. Their pitching staff ranked 26th in baseball in total strikeouts. In today’s game, keeping the ball out of play is a valuable asset. Rodon’s has that box checked. His devasting slider and blazing fastball make him a strikeout machine.
In fact, Rodón tied the record for the fives games in a season with 10 plus strikeouts and two or fewer hits allowed since 1901. Rodon’s familiarity with the American League Central division is also a plus. The Tigers got money to spend and need more starting pitching which makes Rodon an optimal target for them.