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Detroit Tigers Free Agent Review: LHP Carlos Rodon

By Roger Castillo |
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JULY 28: Starting pitcher Carlos Rodon #55 of the Chicago White Sox pitches during the first inning of game 2 of a double header against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on July 28, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JULY 28: Starting pitcher Carlos Rodon #55 of the Chicago White Sox pitches during the first inning of game 2 of a double header against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on July 28, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Carlos Rodon joins the growing list of low-risk, high reward if healthy candidates for the Detroit Tigers rotation to consider.

Before I break down Carlos Rodon and why he may be a good fit for the Detroit Tigers rotation and the comments that are coming that he is often injured, I get it and I understand that on the surface, it is a bad idea but looking at the recent pattern of the Tigers taking flyers on pitchers (See Carson Fulmer and Trevor Rosenthal) and how Detroit is looking to take very low risks this off-season, this is my mentality as I start this breakdown. So, let’s press on.

Carlos Rodon was the 3rd pick overall in the first round of the 2014 MLB draft of North Carolina State. His numbers in college pop out and you could see why Chicago picked him number three.

Lefties will always get plenty of chances and Rodon is no different. He ascended to the majors quickly, only needing nine starts in the minors before getting called up in 2015. Rodon has a three-pitch mix of a four-seam fastball, slider, and changeup. His slider is his best pitch and when it’s on, it is just nasty against right-handers.

Since 2016 after going 9-10 with an ERA of 4.04 with a WHIP of 1.39 and K per 9 of 9.2 (168 strikeouts in 165 IP), it has been a slow decline and the flashes White Sox fans saw were when he was only when he was healthy and he has had command issues. His injury is pretty extensive.

  • 2016 wrist injury out 26 days
  • 2017 biceps and shoulder injuries
  • 2018 shoulder
  • 2019 Tommy John surgery
  • 2020 shoulder injury

Why Carlos Rodon?

He just turned 28 years old and this could provide a challenge for new Tigers pitching coach Chris Fetter This is the ultimate example of buy low, high risk, which is what the direction the Tigers seemly are going to be taking this off-season. Is it the most attractive option? No, but at this point, the Tigers need all the starter help they can get.

As 2021 approaches, let’s hope the hot stove down at Comerica Park goes up from “low” to  “medium” at least.

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