Braves rumors: 3 rental pitchers Atlanta should trade for at the deadline

Braves Rumors: Eduardo Rodriguez is a high-price rental

Eduardo Rodriguez is a rental in the sense that he can opt out of his contract after this season. Assuming he continues to pitch like this, he will do just that and command a hefty deal on the free-agent market.

That, at least, is what the argument will be when the Tigers demand a huge haul in return to E-Rod, who suffered a defeat to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday.

Rodriguez has been a great comeback story for the Detroit Tigers this season. Scott Harris is no fool, though, and knows this MoTown team is nowhere close to being a real contender. Harris knew what he was getting himself into, and despite hanging around in a middling AL Central, the Tigers need a few more pieces in the prospect cupboard before they can count themselves as a contender.

This is the team Harris inherited, and he has already left his mark on it. Harris revamped the Tigers scouting department, and you can bet they’ve watched a few games in Triple-A Gwinnett already. When the Braves come calling, the Tigers will know exactly who to target.

Assuming the Braves and Tigers can negotiate a fair price, Rodriguez would be an excellent addition to an already-strong pitching staff, especially once Fried and Wright return. That’s a pretty major if, though.