On Wednesday night, the Arizona Diamondbacks made their first signing of this year’s free agency. They did that with the signing of former Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox left handed pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez. The contract consists of 4 years and $80 million.
Last year, the D’Backs exceeded everyone’s expectations. But they just came up short losing four to one in the World Series vs. the Texas Rangers. Although it’s been around a month since the loss, the D’Backs have already checked some boxes regarding their roster needs.
The first move was acquiring third baseman Eugenio Suarez, from the Seattle Mariners. While the D’Backs acquired Suarez, the Mariners received reliever Carlos Vargas and catcher Seby Zavala. A third baseman was much needed for this team, as in the playoffs it was an inconsistent spot in the lineup. Suarez offers powers as he has had multiple 30 plus home run seasons, and was an all-star with the Cincinnati Reds in 2018. He makes 2.5 million a year, and looks to be an everyday player.
The only other move Arizona has made was last night, signing Eduardo Rodriguez. He is going to come in and be a consistent top of the rotation guy. In his career he has always been consistent, back in 2018 winning the World Series with the Red Sox, winning 19 games with the Sox as well in 2019, and last year posting a 13-9 record with a 3.30 ERA. For a few years, Rodriguez had been a bright spot on a struggling Tigers team, now coming over to a contender in Arizona. The D’Backs have a few options but now they have a lefty, but they could also bring back another one in Tommy Henry, after being one of their more consistent pitchers last season. That would round the rotation out to being Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez, Brandon Pfaadt, and Tommy Henry. Or we could see them trying to make another veteran singing or even a trade.
The D’Backs are still looking to add more right handed hitting, power, a reliever option, and a backup catcher. This off-season should be a fun one for the Snakes.
