Pittsburgh Pirates: Two Hypothetical Richard Rodriguez Trade Proposals

Pittsburgh Pirates closer Richard Rodriguez is the most valuable reliever on the trade market. The San Francisco Giants are a perfect partner for the Pirates. So let’s look at two hypothetical trade proposals.

One of the best trade pieces the Pittsburgh Pirates have is reliever Richard Rodriguez. Rodriguez has taken the closer role and ran with it this year. His value is at a career-high and with the Pirates in their rebuilding state, should be seen as a valuable trade piece. One team that should look into Rodriguez is the San Francisco Giants who could use the bullpen help.

So far this season Rodriguez has pitched to the tune of a 1.78 ERA, 1.93 FIP, and .71 WHIP. Rodriguez hasn’t gotten many strikeouts this year, which is a bit odd for a guy who had a 30%+ K-rate in 2 of his last 3 seasons. Currently, he only holds a 21.7% mark. However, he’s only walking batters at a 3.3% rate, the 4th lowest mark among all qualified relievers. Home runs have previously been an issue for Rich Rod, but he’s yet to allow one this year.

Rodriguez is in the top 90th or better percentile in xwOBA (.228, top 98th), xERA (2.04, top 98th), xBA (.185, top 92nd), and in the top 88th percentile in xSLG (.315). He only has a whiff rate in the bottom 20th percentile and a chase rate in the bottom 30th percentile. This has led to many ERA estimators having him as a much worse pitcher with a 4.63 xFIP, 5.00 DRA, but a solid 3.87 SIERA.

Rodriguez has proven he can handle a high-leverage role. He’s kept opponents to a .133 BA and .165 wOBA in these situations. When it comes to runners in scoring position, opponents are managing a .174 BA against and .170 wOBA. With Rodriguez able to pitch well in high leverage moments and having control through 2023, he’s the most valuable reliever on the trade agent market.

The Giants have been a surprise contender this year. They have a very underrated starting rotation and have gotten excellent production from many of their franchise veterans. But their bullpen has been very inconsistent this year. Veteran lefty Jake McGee has been very up-and-down this year. Submarine right-hander Tyler Rogers has been one of the Giants’ few reliable relievers.

Off-season pick-up Matt Wisler was already DFA’d and traded to the Tampa Bay Rays. Jose Alvarez hasn’t been very effective. Jarlin Garcia and Zack Littell are the only other active Giants’ bullpen pitchers with at least a dozen innings pitched, and an ERA below 4. Needless to say, they could use at least one more reliever if they’re trying to win a tough division.

There are two trade proposals I would like to talk about today, so let’s get into the first one.