MLB Rumors: 1 trade to fix the Cardinals, Cubs, Phillies and Mets

MLB Rumors: Mets should trade for Eduardo Rodriguez

Detroit Tigers ace Eduardo Rodriguez has been out for a few weeks now due to injury, but when he returns, he should be one of the top trade commodities in what’s been a relatively weak market so far. The Tigers are clearly selling, and Rodriguez, given his current numbers, is likely to opt out at the end of the season in search of a larger contract.

Because of this, Detroit general manager Scott Harris would be wise to move Rodriguez while he still can. Given the current status of the team, doling out the money necessary to re-sign E-Rod seems unlikely. The Tigers are still several years away from winning.

The NY Mets, while still several games under .500, could turn it around at any moment. They have the highest payroll in the sport for a reason, and if that talent starts to kick in, watch out. Should that occur, Steve Cohen would be wise to direct Billy Eppler to acquire another ace-level pitcher by any means necessary. Cohen has claimed he won’t “blow things up” despite his starting staff’s struggles this year. Adding, technically, is not blowing it up. It’s merely helping out a group that looks a little overmatched.

“When things get really bad, I’m not going to blow up,” Cohen told the New York Post. “I don’t think that’s the proper response. I don’t think it solves anything, other than it gives people a one-day story. But it doesn’t really solve anything.”

Cohen took blame for the team’s current roster construction, which as of just a few days ago, included a pitching staff with the fifth-worst team ERA in the majors. This is despite having Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander on the roster. Combined, those two veterans will make nearly $100 million this season alone.

Rodriguez will be expensive, but he’s also the kind of starting pitcher the Mets need to hold this thing together.