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MLB Rumors: 3 blockbuster trade packages for Tigers ace Eduardo Rodriguez

By Mark Powell

DETROIT, MI - JULY 25: Pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez #57 of the Detroit Tigers works up a baseball during the fifth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Comerica Park on July 25, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - JULY 25: Pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez #57 of the Detroit Tigers works up a baseball during the fifth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Comerica Park on July 25, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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Tigers, Eduardo Rodriguez, Cardinals Rumors
Eduardo Rodriguez #57 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Cleveland Guardians during the sixth inning at Progressive Field on May 10, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images) /

As the MLB trade deadline nears on Tuesday, several teams are in pursuit of elite starting pitching. Look no further than Eduardo Rodriguez.

Eduardo Rodriguez has been one of the best pitchers in the American League this season for a reason. However, in order to send him elsewhere, the Detroit Tigers will demand top prospect capital in return.

That’s slightly difficult from Detroit’s perspective, especially since Rodriguez technically has a player opt out after this season. One way the Tigers could facilitate a trade would be asking Rodriguez to opt in for the remainder of his deal, or perhaps trading him to a destination of his choice in return.

If E-Rod were to hit free agency, he’d likely make more than the money guaranteed in his deal over the next few seasons. Hence, any trade won’t be easy, especially if Scott Harris wants a top-100 prospect in return.

Related Story. MLB trade deadline: Grading every blockbuster trade so far. light

MLB Rumors: A Dodgers-Tigers trade for Eduardo Rodriguez

Rodriguez is said to be the Dodgers top target at the deadline, along with Justin Verlander. It’s ironic that a current Tiger and former Detroit ace headline the pitching market in early August, but here we are. Any deal would have to include some to prospects in LA’s stacked farm system.

Rodriguez could acquire a top-100 prospect in Pepiot, who is ranked in the top-75 per MLB Pipeline. He is 25 years old and MLB-ready, so he could slide right into the Tigers rotation. By including Michael Lorenzen, Detroit can increase their prospect capital and add a solid middle-infield prospect like Vivas, as well as a lottery ticket outfielder like Munoz.

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