In the days since Major League Baseball lifted its lockout, the free-agent and trade markets have reopened, and there have been deals left, right and center. Here's what we think of the biggest ones so far...
Giants' Updated Pitching Rotation, Payroll After Reported Carlos Rodon Contract
Mar 11, 2022
Chicago White Sox pitcher Carlos Rodon throws against the Houston Astros in the inning during Game 4 of a baseball American League Division Series Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
The San Francisco Giants have agreed to a two-year, $44 million deal with left-handed starting pitcher Carlos Rodon, per ESPN's Jeff Passan.
The contract with the ex-Chicago White Sox southpaw includes an opt-out after the first season.
Here's a look at how the Giants' starting rotation looks with Rodon on the roster.
In addition, Roster Resource estimates the Giants' current 2022 payroll at $149 million after adding Rodon.
The 29-year-old went 13-5 with a 2.37 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 185 strikeouts in 132.2 innings in 2021. He earned his first All-Star appearances and finished fifth in American League Cy Young voting.
The highlight of Rodon's season occurred on April 14, when he tossed his first career no-hitter in an 8-0 win over Cleveland. Rodon only allowed one baserunner via hit-by-pitch.
Unfortunately, Rodon hit the 10-day injured list retroactive to August 8 with left shoulder fatigue. He returned on Aug. 26 but missed another start in early September for the same problem. Rodon also reported soreness in his arm after a Sept. 20 start against the Detroit Tigers.
He ended the regular season by throwing five shutout innings against the Cincinnati Reds on Sept. 29 but struggled in his lone playoff appearance versus the Houston Astros (2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER).
Thankfully, Rodon appears good to go for 2022. Andy Martino of SNY reported on March 11 that "clubs who have seen Carlos Rodon’s medicals say they are actually very good."
That's a big win for the Giants, as Rodon is one of the game's best left-handed starters when healthy. Eno Sarris of The Athletic is a fan of the match between Rodon and the Giants, who play in the cavernous and pitcher-friendly Oracle Park.
Carlos Rodon had the best Stuff+ of any free agent starter. Now he’s got a sweet home park.
If Rodon stays healthy, he could easily recapture the same dominance he showcased in Chicago last year.
Carlos Rodon, Giants Reportedly Agree to 2-Year, $44M Contract in Free Agency
Mar 11, 2022
Chicago White Sox pitcher Carlos Rodon throws against the Houston Astros during Game 4 of a baseball American League Division Series Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Former White Sox starting pitcher Carlos Rodon has agreed to sign with the San Francisco Giants on a two-year contract worth $44 million, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.
The White Sox didn't give Rodon an $18.4 million qualifying offer prior to the MLB lockout that lasted 99 days, which allowed him to test the open market.
Rodon was named to his first All-Star Game in 2021. He posted a team-best 2.37 ERA with 185 strikeouts in 132.2 innings pitched, tying for the team lead with 13 wins.
Rodon pitched his first career no-hitter on April 14 against the Cleveland Indians. He lost the bid for a perfect game with one out in the ninth inning on a hit-by-pitch to Roberto Perez.
In the American League Division Series against the Houston Astros, Rodon started Chicago's Game 4 loss as Houston advanced with a 3-1 series win. Rodon allowed two runs in 2.2 innings as the White Sox went on to lose 10-1.
After being selected by the White Sox with the third overall pick in the 2014 draft, Rodon has had a history of arm and shoulder injuries. After being named Chicago's Opening Day starter for the 2019 season, Rodon underwent Tommy John surgery that May and missed the remainder of the year. He was limited to four appearances in 2020. Over the last two months of the 2021 season, he pitched just 28 innings due to arm fatigue.
If he can stay healthy, Rodon bolsters San Francisco's starting rotation in a big way. He will likely earn a spot near the top of the rotation, and his performance in 2022 will be key to the Giants' playoff push.
Rodon will be the second starting picture to land with the reigning National League West champions after they signed Alex Cobb to a two-year, $20 million deal.
The longer Major League Baseball's lockout drags on, the quicker teams will have to be about completing their free-agent shopping when it's over and the market reopens...
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White Sox Pitcher Carlos Rodon Placed on 10-Day IL with Arm Injury
Aug 11, 2021
Chicago White Sox opener Carlos Rodon delivers a pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs Saturday, Aug 7, 2021, at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The White Sox won 4-0. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
The Chicago White Sox have placed pitcher Carlos Rodon on the 10-day injured list with shoulder fatigue.
While the move is retroactive to Sunday, he could miss more than the required 10 days, per Jesse Rogers of ESPN.
"We're going to err on the side of caution, so it seems to me that's overly optimistic," White Sox manager Tony La Russa said. "If it happens, great, if it doesn't, we'll be patient."
Rodon earned his first All-Star selection this season and has a 2.38 ERA and 0.957 WHIP in 19 starts. The left-hander has averaged 13.1 strikeouts per nine innings this season, which would rank first in the majors among starters if he had enough innings to qualify.
Rodon's only issue this year has been going deep into games, failing to top five innings in any of his last three starts. The trip to the IL could cause more worries, but the manager believes he will be back soon.
"We're hoping it's just a short break and he'll be back sooner rather than later," La Russa said. "There's nothing unusual about our concern."
Rodon will, unfortunately, now miss his scheduled start against the New York Yankees in the "Field of Dreams Game" on Thursday in Dyersville, Iowa. Lance Lynn will take the mound instead Thursday for Chicago after he was initially supposed to start on Wednesday.
