An Ex-Red Sox Fan Favorite Makes a Crucial Choice Regarding His MLB Future

Former Red Sox pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez has officially opted out of the final three years and $49 million of his contract with the Detroit Tigers, making a significant move to test the free-agent market this offseason. The 30-year-old left-hander had a solid season with the Tigers in 2023, posting a 13-9 record with a 3.30 ERA, demonstrating his value and solidifying his position as one of the more attractive options for teams seeking reliable starting pitching.

Rodriguez’s decision was not unexpected, given the demand for pitching talent and his strong performance in Detroit. Additionally, a limited free-agent market for pitchers likely bolstered his confidence that he could secure a more lucrative or longer-term deal than the $49 million remaining on his Tigers contract. The Tigers were already aware of Rodriguez’s potential interest in exploring free agency, as he previously exercised a no-trade clause to block a trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 2023 season, citing a desire to prioritize his family’s location preferences on the East Coast.

Despite opting out, Rodriguez has not ruled out a return to Detroit. There have been indications of mutual interest in negotiating a new deal, though it would likely need to be restructured. In the meantime, Rodriguez is set to attract interest from multiple teams looking to add experience and depth to their pitching rotation, especially given his strong second half of the season【18†source】【19†source】【20†source】.