Tigers Eye Starting Pitcher Eduardo Rodríguez: Report

DETROIT — Shortly after dealing for a veteran catcher, the Detroit Tigers are reportedly now eyeing a veteran starting pitcher.

Jon Morosi of the MLB Network said Wednesday morning the Tigers are showing "early interest" in free agent left-handed starting pitcher Eduardo Rodríguez.

Morosi also said Rodríguez has a good relationship with Detroit assistant pitching coach Juan Nieves, who was his first pitching coach in Boston.

Sources: #Tigers showing early interest in free agent LHP Eduardo Rodríguez, and they have one built-in advantage. Rodríguez, 28, has a good relationship with Detroit assistant pitching coach Juan Nieves, his first @MLB pitching coach in Boston. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 10, 2021

Rodriguez, 28, has pitched his entire career so far with the Boston Red Sox. He missed the entire 2020 season due to complications from COVID-19, including a bout with myocarditis.

Rodriguez pitched well in his return last season, despited posting a career-hit ERA of 4.74. He set careers highs in strikeout rate (27.4 percent) and strikeouts per nine innings (10.6). He also posted a career-low walk rate and a career-low FIP of 3.32.

The Red Sox have extended qualifying offer to Rodriguez, which would pay him $18.4 million for next season.

Rodriguez has until Nov. 17 to either accept the offer and stay in Boston or decline it and become a free agent. And it seems likely he'll test free agency to seek a better deal.