Pittsburgh Pirates: Previewing the Left-Handed Starting Pitching Market

The Pirates have signed one LHP SP every off-season in Ben Cherington's reign, so what does this year's market look like?

Aug 4, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery (52) pitches
Aug 4, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery (52) pitches | Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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Eduardo Rodriguez

The last pitcher is probably one of the best pitchers on the free agent market, and that’s Eduardo Rodriguez. Rodriguez has rebounded to the tune of a 3.11 ERA, 3.30 FIP, and 1.12 WHIP with the Detroit Tigers this season.

E-Rod has a 24.4% strikeout rate, which is slightly higher than his career 23.9% rate, but his 6.6% walk rate is the best of his career. He also has an 0.8 HR/9 rate and is in the 68th percentile of exit velocity. However, do be slightly weary of his home run rate. Rodriguez has an 8.6% HR/FB ratio, the first time he’s ever posted a sub-10% ratio. Comerica Park is one of the most pitcher-friendly parks in baseball, with the lowest home run park factor among all 30 teams.

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