Detroit Tigers make major splash by adding Eduardo Rodriguez

It is time. The Detroit Tigers are ready to emerge from their rebuilding process, looking to build on the momentum from 2021. Their young starters appear to be ready to take the next step and their lineup is expected to improve with the next wave of prospects. General manager Al Avila indicated that ownership would spend money when the time was right, and that time is now.

Ownership has been as good as their word thus far. The Tigers made the first major splash of the offseason, landing Eduardo Rodriguez as the next piece to their young rotation.

Detroit Tigers get needed upgrade to rotation in Eduardo Rodriguez

It is fair to wonder if the Tigers overpaid for Rodriguez looking at his raw numbers. He posted a 4.74 ERA and a 1.389 WHiP in his 157.2 innings, hardly the type of numbers that one would want from a pitcher who is expected to be a top of the rotation arm in Detroit.

But Rodriguez was better than his numbers. He had a 3.32 FIP, striking out 185 batters with 47 walks. Rodriguez clearly ran into a great deal of bad luck, as he had a .363 batting average on balls in play against, skewing his overall numbers. His 43.2% ground ball rate was also better than league average, furthering the belief that Rodriguez could be a potential bargain.

That may well prove to be the case. With a better defense, Rodriguez could be closer to the pitcher that his peripherals indicate – a burgeoning ace who can make a major impact upon an up and coming team such as the Tigers.

The Tigers have also signed Rodriguez in the midst of his prime. He will turn 29 years old shortly after Opening Day, another young arm for their rotation. However, his experience, particularly in the postseason, will be beneficial to a Tigers’ team looking to take that next step forward.

The Detroit Tigers have made the first major splash of the offseason. Eduardo Rodriguez should immediately improve their impressive young rotation.