Report: Good chance Red Sox extend qualifying offer to Rodriguez
The Boston Red Sox are considering extending a qualifying offer to left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez once the 2021 season concludes, sources told The Boston Globe's Alex Speier.
While there's a good chance Rodriguez will receive the one-year, $18.4-million deal, it remains unclear if he'd accept, Speier reports.
The 28-year-old had an up-and-down 2021, finishing the regular season with a 13-8 record alongside a 4.74 ERA, a 3.32 FIP, and 10.6 strikeouts per nine in 157 2/3 innings.
He also flashed positive signs during the postseason, including a solid seven-strikeout start in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series.
The Venezuelan has been a reliable starter for Boston since he was acquired from the Baltimore Orioles in 2014. He owns a 64-39 record with a 4.16 ERA and 892 strikeouts in 856 2/3 innings across six seasons.
Rodriguez would face stiff competition on the free-agent market were he to turn down the qualifying offer. Cy Young contenders Max Scherzer and Robbie Ray are free agents, along with Clayton Kershaw, Carlos Rodon, Justin Verlander, and Noah Syndergaard, among others.
The Red Sox would receive draft-pick compensation if Rodriguez were to sign with a different team in free agency.