Detroit Tigers Pros and Cons: Trading Francisco Rodriguez

Pros

Some Kind of Return

First of all, Detroit would get some kind of return for their closer instead of declining his contract option. In this scenario, the Tigers wouldn’t get anything for a pitcher that brought a sense calm to the bullpen for the first time in a long time.

In terms of a return, it isn’t clear what Detroit would receive for Rodriguez.

Should he be traded, the 34-year-old wouldn’t bring in the same return as someone like J.D. Martinez, Ian Kinsler or Cameron Maybin.

What’s more, Rodriguez will likely continue to close games regardless of employer. That somewhat limits the market of available teams.

What’s more, the free agent market could feature a number of elite closers, including Wade Davis, Kenley Jansen, Mark Melancon and Aroldis Chapman.

There are also pitchers like Koji Uehara, Brad Ziegler, Greg Holland, Sergio Romo, Drew Storen and Fernando Rodney who have previous closing experience.

Still, Detroit should be able to get something of value for a veteran closer like Francisco Rodriguez.

Money Saved

Assuming the Tigers receive either prospects or a Major League piece or pieces under team control, Detroit will be able to shed payroll. Rodriguez’ salary could be $6 million next season, and removing that from the salary picture will certainly help long-term.

If Rodriguez, Maybin and J.D. Martinez are dealt, the Tigers will be able to shed nearly $27 million from the payroll. If the team can somehow move the contracts of Mike Pelfrey, Mark Lowe and Anibal Sanchez, that number goes up even more.