With less than three hours remaining until the 2023 MLB trade deadline, the Los Angeles Dodgers remain connected to the New York Mets’ Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers’ Eduardo Rodriguez and Pittsburgh Pirates ace Mitch Keller.
Each of the aforementioned pitchers have been a reported focus for the Dodgers at varying points over the past few days. Verlander no longer is an option amid reports of the Mets trading him to the Houston Astros.
Meanwhile, what does appear to be a certainty for the Dodgers is their preference to acquire a starter who is under team control beyond the 2023 season. Rodriguez potentially fits that, but does have the ability to opt out of his contract this winter.
What could prove to be another hurdle is the Dodgers are on Rodriguez’s no-trade list that includes nine other teams, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:
Dodgers are on Rodríguez’s 10-team no-trade list, source tells @TheAthletic. Players generally require to be compensated in some form to waive a no-trade. Isn’t always monetary. But the no-trade gives a player leverage.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 1, 2023
The Dodgers being among the teams on Rodriguez’s no-trade list doesn’t fully eliminate the possibility of a deal with the Tigers. Lance Lynn also had the Dodgers on his no-trade list, but wound up approving a deal anyhow.
Rodriguez has gone 6-5 with a 2.95 ERA, 3.18 FIP and 1.03 WHIP in 15 starts this season. The 30-year-old is widely considered the most impactful starter still available at the deadline
Chicago White Sox ace Dylan Cease and Keller fall into that category as well, but it’s unclear how motivated both teams are to trade their respective right-hander.
Eduardo Rodriguez contract details
The Tigers signed Rodriguez to a five-year, $77 million contract prior to the 2022 season. However, the long-term deal includes an ability to opt out and become a free agent after the 2023 season.
If Rodriguez declines to do so, he would have three years and $49 million remaining on his contract.
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