Detroit Tigers: Five non-Verlander starters to pursue

4. Chicago White Sox LHP Carlos Rodon

All-star Chicago White Sox pitcher Carlos Rodon would be a welcomed addition to the Detroit Tigers rotation. As was the case with the aforementioned Robbie Ray, Rodon came out of nowhere in 2021 and put together a 5-bWAR season for the White Sox while getting some postseason experience.

Rodon made 24 starts in 2021; pitched 132.2 innings, gave up 91 hits while striking out 185 batters. Rodon’s 2.37 ERA, 2.65 FIP, and 0.957 WHIP, and 5.0 bWAR would all lead starting qualifiers on the current Tigers roster.

He’s is a

Statcast

darling with loads of red in his percentile rankings. 95th percentile in xwOBA, 95th percentile in xERA, 93rd percentile in xBA, 91st percentile in xSLG, 96th percentile in K%, 90th percentile in whiff%, and 80th percentile in fastball velocity.

The lefty will be entering his age-29 season and will likely have a strong market. He’s spent his entire career with the Chicago White Sox, who undoubtedly would like to retain their postseason aspirations. Luring such a starter away will be difficult, but it is the cost of shopping near the top of the pitching market.