The Detroit Tigers on Tuesday signed left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez to a five-year contract.
Financial terms were not disclosed by the team, but multiple media reports had the contract worth $77 million.
“Eduardo was clearly one of our top targets in this year’s free agent pitching class, and we are extremely happy to add someone of his caliber to our rotation,” said Al Avila, Tigers executive vice president of baseball operations and general manager.
“There are a number of strong qualities that Eduardo brings to our ballclub, including his leadership abilities, and we look forward to the positive impact he will have on our team both on and off the field.”
Rodriguez, 28, spent six seasons with the Red Sox and declined the one-year, $18.4 million qualifying offer from Boston last week. He posted a 64-39 record with a 4.16 ERA in his career with the Red Sox.
The Red Sox are entitled to compensation and will receive the Tigers’ third-round draft pick in 2022.
“I am excited to be a Tiger and appreciate the commitment being made to building a winning team in Detroit,” Rodriguez said. “After some great years in Boston with amazing fans and teammates, I am blessed to be coming into a new situation where the fans in Detroit are some of the best in baseball. In speaking with Al and (manager) A.J. (Hinch), I knew this is a place that would be a good fit for me and my family. I can’t wait to join my new teammates and work towards a World Series title.”
Rodriguez missed the 2020 season with myocarditis, inflammation of the heart related to COVID-19, following the best season of his career in 2019. That season, Rodriguez went 19-6 with a 3.81 ERA in 203 1/3 innings over 34 starts.
Rodriguez made at least 20 starts every season he played with the Red Sox.
–Field Level Media
