Detroit Tigers: Reports point to Eduardo Rodriguez testing free agent market

Detroit Tigers pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez is likely to opt out.

While it may not be shocking to many, there's been some news on the free agency front. Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez will likely opt out and test the open waters of the free-agent market this winter.

The report came from Jon Heyman, who indicated that his "sources" told him that Rodriguez is heading toward that opt-out, taking the likely road that was expected. After the 2023 season ended, it seemed like it may be the end of the road for Rodriguez in Detroit, but these reports even further that.

This comes after Rodriguez pitched to a 3.30 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP, and accumulated 152.2 innings pitched over 26 starts. It was his best performance in recent years and far better than his first year in Detroit, so it seems like he may opt to hit the open market and see if he can get a better deal.

In 2021, Rodriguez signed a five-year, $77 million contract with a $15.4 annual value. It seems that Rodriguez thinks he can net some more money on the free agent market or just wants to find somewhere new.

It's not the most shocking or surprising news, but it seems even more of a certainty that he will be taking his player opt-out. Don't forget this summer at the trade deadline when the team almost had a deal in place to move Rodriguez.

As the clock wound down for the Tigers, they had a deal in place with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but Rodriguez ended up striking down the deal after he exercised his no-trade clause as part of his contract.

After things settled, it was noted from Rodriguez that the move was just not in the best interest of him and his family, and he opted to stay in Detroit. However, he's now looking to hit the open market, hoping to find more money to join another team out there.

There's still time for things to change, as the opt-out deadline is not yet known. It is slated each year to be five days after the World Series comes to a close. So, for now, the Tigers' left-hander can continue to think about his decision and what might be best for him moving forward.

Though, when the deadline comes, it may not be too surprising for Rodriguez to opt out.