MLB Rumors: Eduardo Rodriguez race, Angels money quote, Dylan Cease

MLB Rumors: Which teams are interested in Eduardo Rodriguez?

The Detroit Tigers are one of many AL Central teams selling at the trade deadline. Heck, someone has to win that division, but it likely won’t be the Tigers. Detroit is shopping two of their best pitchers in Eduardo Rodriguez and Michael Lorenzen. Rodriguez should be more valuable because of his ace potential. Five teams are interested in his services, per Mark Feinsand.

E-Rod has three years and $49 million left on his contract, but he can opt out after this season to become a free agent, making him a rental of sorts.

Per Feinsand, the following teams have inquired about Rodriguez: the Rangers, Rays, Reds, Phillies and Diamondbacks are all interested. That should help drive up the asking price for the Tigers. Scott Harris, who was hired last offseason, is hoping to build up the farm system with young talent.

“He’s not the best starter available, but he’s been pretty good this year,” a National League executive told Feinsand. “He would help a lot of rotations out there.”

Rodriguez’s health history is a concern for some around the league, but it could actually help in the long run. Any team that acquires Rodriguez may be getting him long term if he’s unable to receive a larger deal elsewhere.

“I’m not opting out if I’m him,” one American League executive told Feinsand.

Should the Tigers choose to pair, say, reliever Jason Foley with Rodriguez, they could likely acquire some top prospect capital.