With Justin Verlander and Jacob deGrom off the board, Carlos Rodon is now the top starting pitcher on the free agent market.
After a solid year with the San Francisco Giants, Rodon exercised his opt-out clause and hit the market once again.
The veteran left-hander won 14 games and posted a 2.88 ERA in 31 starts.
Giants insider Susan Slusser has the latest on the star lefty, saying that while the initial word was that Rodon was seeking a six-year deal, he will now likely seek a seven-year deal after two full seasons of remaining healthy and proving to be a viable starting pitcher.
Initial word was that Carlos Rodón is seeking six years – it sounds more like he’d want seven based on his age, two years of full health. Giants are still in on him.
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) December 7, 2022
Giants Insider Gives Update On Rodon
Slusser also mentioned that the Giants are still very much in play for the lefty.
The 29-year-old has drawn interest from several teams, including the New York Yankees.
The Giants barely missed out on Aaron Judge, but are prepared to spend big this offseason.
Spending some of that money on Rodon would be a good idea.
Rodon was easily the team’s best pitcher in 2022, moving into the elite tier of starting pitchers.
San Francisco had signed him to a two-year, $44 million deal after the lockout was lifted.
As mentioned previously, Rodon opted out after year one, seeking a longer-term deal.
The Giants could very much still be in play for the ace.
Still, the Yankees cannot be overlooked as they attempt to replace Jameson Taillon, who signed a four-year deal with the Chicago Cubs last night.
NEXT: MLB Insider Reveals Where The Giants Will Focus Next