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Boston Red Sox making effort to keep Eduardo Rodriguez

By David Hill

Oct 18, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57) reacts after giving up three-run home run during the fourth inning of game three of the 2021 ALCS against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57) reacts after giving up three-run home run during the fourth inning of game three of the 2021 ALCS against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Red Sox clearly value Eduardo Rodriguez as a member of their rotation. They placed the Qualifying Offer on the lefty, hoping that he would return for that $18.4 million guarantee. However, as multiple teams are interested in his services, it is highly unlikely that he will be accepting the QO.

That is not dissuading the Red Sox. In addition to the QO, they have also reportedly made a multi-year offer in an attempt to keep him in Boston.

Boston Red Sox not giving up on keeping Eduardo Rodriguez

Rodriguez is one of the more interesting free agents on the market. He missed the entire 2020 season after developing myocarditis following his battle with COVID as he was unable to last ten pitches in a bullpen session without being exhausted. That missed season would have appeared to have affected him in 2021 if one simply looked at his 4.74 ERA.

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He was more than just a high ERA. Rodriguez posted a 3.32 FIP over his 157.2 innings, striking out 185 batters with 47 walks. His 7.0% walk rate and 27.4% strikeout rates were the best of his career, and he was excellent at limiting hard contact. Rodriguez should have fared much better than he did in 2021.

That appears to be the perception around the league as well. Several teams are interested in Rodriguez, regarding him as a significant upgrade to the middle of their rotation. If he can pitch to his FIP and peripherals, he may even be a top of the rotation arm at a potential bargain price.

The Red Sox clearly feel the same way. However, it remains to be seen as to whether or not their offer will approach the deals that Rodriguez is fielding from other teams. Nonetheless, the Red Sox are not going to let Rodriguez get away without a fight as they hope to keep a key member of their rotation in town.

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The Boston Red Sox are going to have plenty of competition for Eduardo Rodriguez. They are still going to do what they can to keep a key member of their rotation.

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