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Detroit Tigers: Let’s Trade Eduardo Rodriguez — Part 2

Eduardo Rodríguez

More potential trade destinations for Eduardo Rodriguez

Yesterday, we looked west (and at Cincinnati) to find a solid trade return for Eduardo Rodriguez. Today, we focus our gaze on the East…and at Milwaukee.

Milwaukee Brewers

The NL Central is proving just as engaging as the AL Central, though for different reasons. The
competitive balance in the division is notable. Milwaukee, in first place, ranks 21st in total WAR at 5.1,
according to FanGraphs. Both Corbin Burnes and Freddy Peralta have been somewhat steady but the the rest of the Brewers’ rotation struggles
with consistency.  Colin Rea, a minor league signee last winter, has been a pleasant surprise but hasn’t thrown over 100 innings since 2016.

 

Staying pat?

 

While the Brewers could comfortably clinch the NL Central, aspirations for a deep postseason run may
necessitate bolstering their starting rotation. A pitcher like Eduardo Rodriguez, known for his postseason
performance, could make a marked difference. Here are some potential targets for Detroit to consider.

 

● 2B/3B Tyler Black
● C Jeferson Quero
● OF Blake Perkins

 

Speedster Black has shown newfound power in his first full season at Double-A, slamming 13 home runs
and boasting an ISO of .242. He aligns well with the Scott Harris profile: he demonstrates an ability to
draw walks (16.9%) and control the strike zone (20.3%) — attributes that may be beneficial if he ends up
playing in Comerica Park one day. Additionally, he brings a left-handed bat to the plate.

At only 20 years old, Jeferson Quero has made a significant impact in his first Double-A season. This
right-handed batter is excelling at getting on base and hitting with power — feats not typically achieved
by many prospects under 21.

 

Quero boasts an 11% walk rate and a 17% strikeout rate, accompanied by
an impressive ISO of .205. His performance, while impressive, might not make him a likely call-up quite
yet or even if Milwaukee would consider trading him.

Blake Perkins, a switch-hitting outfielder, may not pack a powerful swing, but his versatility in the field is
valuable, as he can cover all three outfield positions. Like Black and Quero, Perkins has demonstrated a
knack for getting on base. He would be a logical second name to include in potential trade discussions.

Hello Dave, you have some more prospects to give up?

The NL East has proven to be one of the most riveting divisions to watch this season. At the top of the
heap sits the Atlanta Braves, boasting the best record in baseball and an offense that’s nothing short of a
tour de force. However, two teams trailing by 10.5 games each have compelling narratives of their own.
First up, the defending NL champions, the Phillies.

 

Philadelphia’s president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, made a smart move in signing
Taijuan Walker, giving the Phillies another strong starter behind the Nola-Wheeler combo. While both
Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler have not quite met expectations, the rotation has performed well enough
to keep the Phillies in playoff contention.

 

Admittedly, Tigers fans might hesitate to engage the Phillies again so soon after the Matt Vierling/Nick
Maton/Donnie Sands deal. However, the Phillies do have a few promising prospects they might consider
parting with. Remember, we’re talking about Dave Dombrowski here. His trade history with Detroit in the
early 2010s is well known.

 

But let’s put that aside and consider potential targets across NL East.

 

INF Nick Podkul-Phillies

Podkul, at 26 years old, may no longer fall into the “prospect” category, but he’s captured attention due to
a significant increase in power since signing with the Phillies as a minor league free agent from Toronto.

Podkul has always been adept at drawing walks, but his previous peak in isolated power (ISO) was .177
with 5 home runs during his stint with Double-A New Hampshire in 2022.

 

This season, he’s already belted 14 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A, showcasing an ISO over .303 in 197 plate
appearances. What has changed for Podkul? His front foot. Check out his swing here in 2021.

Now look at the front foot here and the balance through the zone here

He has played a vast majority at third and first base throughout his minor league career. If he could play
the outfield, that would provide Detroit another bat to consider with versatility.

 

RHP Orion Kerkering-Phillies

Orion Kerkering has moved up three levels already in 2023 with an impressive fastball that has touched
100 and slider combo. 53 strikeouts in 34.2 innings of work, with just seven walks. Talking about
controlling the strike zone, Kerkering would be good bullpen depth with closer potential. The slider action
on lefties is ridiculous. Kerkering would be a good centerpiece to any trade with Philly.

3B Mark Vientos-Mets
Third baseman Mark Vientos was mentioned as a potential trade target last December, and that notion
remains relevant today, depending on whether the Mets decide to sell at the deadline. Their season, to
put it mildly, has been a letdown. Vientos’ performance at the major league level has been less than
stellar in 49 plate appearances, but there’s room for optimism.

 

Given the presence of Malloy and Keith, Detroit might overlook Vientos for third base. However, Vientos
has some experience in the outfield, adding to his versatility. With Miguel Cabrera set to retire in 2024,
there could be an opportunity for Vientos and Carpenter to share duties as designated hitters in a platoon
arrangement.

 

RHP Dominic Hamel-Mets

2023 stats: 76IP, 5.09 ERA FIP 3.52 99K, 32BB 11.7 K/9 3.79 BB/9

Big sweeper slider from Hamel and according to reports, he has high spin rate on the pitch to go with a fastball, change, and curve. With the way the Tigers have been addressing pitchers at the minors, this could be an arm they could fix for a backend of a rotation. He carries a bit of reliever risk, but if the Mets decide to be buyers, Hamel is intriguing. Next up, the AL East.

 

 

AL East

Let’s start with Orioles, where Eduardo Rodriguez first started his career.

 

SS Joey Ortiz

INF César Prieto

 

Baltimore boasts one of the most talent-rich systems in baseball. Players like Adley Rutschman and Gunner Henderson may already ring a bell, but recently, prospects such as second baseman Jordan Westburg and Ortiz have made their MLB debuts.

 

Ortiz, a former teammate of Pirates infielder Nick Gonzalez at New Mexico State, was a fourth-round pick in the 2019 draft. Renowned for his defense and batting skills, Ortiz, a right-hander, is versatile, playing short, second and occasionally third base. His standout performance at Norfolk in the first half of this season is a major factor propelling them towards the post-season.

 

As trade discussions emerge, it would be advantageous for Detroit to inquire about outfielder Heston Kjerstad. However, maintaining a sense of reality is crucial in these trade proposals.

 

In considering roster upgrades, Ortiz and left-handed hitter César Prieto warrant attention. Both have consistently produced hits at every level and could offer immediate improvements to the Tigers infield. If Javier Baez opts for free agency, given the sparse market this off-season, Ortiz could be a valuable acquisition, as he has showed he can field the position effectively. Talking to a few folks about Prieto, some believe he could hit at the next level.

 

Tampa Bay Rays

INF Jonathan Aranda 

LHP Jacob Lopez 

 

Both Tampa and Baltimore are looking for starting pitching, as the Rays have experienced a pitching staff that has been ravaged by injuries. Lopez, who ironically enough was drafted originally by the Giants before being traded to Tampa in 2019, (Scott Harris and Rob Meltzer connection) has been on a steady climb this season between Double-A and Triple-A. He throws a sinker, slider, and a change. The slider plays up well against righties as he goes near the back foot to locate it. His delivery reminds me of Erie SeaWolves starter Brant Hurter. 

 

Aranda, hailing from Tijuana, Mexico, has demonstrated both power and consistency at the plate during his time in the minors. He embodies three qualities the Tigers value highly.

First, Aranda bats left-handed. An examination of recent drafts reveals that Detroit is keen on augmenting their lineup with left-handed hitters.

 

Second, he has a minor league strikeout rate of approximately 20% and a walk rate of around 10%. Despite his numbers not being particularly impressive in his first 36 games at the major league level, his potential cannot be overlooked.

 

Lastly, the Tigers appreciate versatility, a trait Aranda exhibits by his ability to play in the outfield, as well as first and second base.

 

 

 

 

 

More potential trade destinations for Eduardo Rodriguez Yesterday, we looked west (and at Cincinnati) to find a solid trade return…

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