*Photo from WFAA*
Count the AL Central as another division that has a team interested in one of the better pitchers available. The Minnesota Twins have definite interest in signing free agent LHP Carlos Rodon, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic.
As things currently stand, the Twins already have enough pieces to fill out a 5 man starting rotation, but it is not currently regarded as a higher end rotation in the AL. Signing Rodon would certainly change things, as he's one of the best starting pitchers available on the free agent market, which also includes Jacob Degrom and Justin Verlander.
Rodon enjoyed a second year of dominant success in 2022, this one with the San Francisco Giants. He ended the regular season with a 14-8 record to go with a 2.88 ERA, 2.25 FIP, and 1.03 WHIP, throwing 178 innings and making 31 starts, also being selected to the NL All Star team.
Over his career, Rodon has spent 7 years with the Chicago White Sox and one with the Giants. He has a career 56-46 record with a 3.60 ERA, 3.59 FIP, and 1.24 WHIP. Rodon has struck out 947 hitters while throwing 847 1/3 innings, split between 147 starts and 5 relief appearances. Rodon has a 13.50 ERA in 2 2/3 innings over one start and one relief appearance in the playoffs.
While the Twins are interested in Rodon, Hayes noted they could be uncomfortable meeting his asking price in free agency. In addition to two straight all star game appearances, Rodon posted a 6.1 fWAR last season, good for second best among qualified pitchers.
Twins starting pitchers last season posted a combined 4.11 ERA, ranked 20th in the MLB. Rodon would certainly give them an ace and lower that ERA number, which would be vital for a Twins squad looking to return to the playoffs after falling apart in the second half of 2022, despite a strong start to the season.
Rodon would join Sonny Gray, Tyler Mahle, Kenta Maeda, Joe Ryan, and Bailey Ober as rotation options for the Twins were he to sign. In addition to the Twins, the Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, New York Mets, and the Giants have expressed interest in Rodon.
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