After a quiet Thursday evening following the official end of the 99-day lockout, the first major free-agent domino fell Friday afternoon. The Giants moved quickly to sign All-Star starting pitcher Carlos Rodon to a two-year, $44 million contract with an opt-out after the first season. The 29-year-old left-hander earned his big payday after an incredible breakout season with the White Sox. Rodon posted a superb 2.37 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, a career-high 13 wins, and 185 strikeouts over 132 2/3 innings. That ERA was the lowest recorded among pitchers with at least 130 innings pitched, and the underlying numbers backed it up.
How did Rodon become one of baseball’s most skilled pitchers? He saw a significant skill jump across the board, starting with increased fastball velocity -- up to a career-high 95.4 miles per hour. By attacking hitters high in the strike zone with the heater, he generated an impressive 13.8 percent swinging-strike rate on the four-seam. Paired with a devastating slider that induced a 17.5 percent swinging-strike rate, Rodon produced a 34.6 percent strikeout rate, second only to Corbin Burnes.
Rodon’s finest moment came in his second start, April 14 against Cleveland at Guaranteed Rate Field. Nearly two years after undergoing Tommy John surgery, he made history by tossing a no-hitter with no walks while striking out seven batters. The lone baserunner allowed that night came with one out in the ninth inning after he hit Roberto Perez in the foot.
You might have heard the saying, “The best ability is availability.” If there’s a knock on Rodon, it’s his checkered injury history. Last season, he managed just 132 2/3 innings and failed to complete more than five innings in any start after July 18. Rodon hit the injured list with shoulder fatigue in early August and averaged 93.3 miles per hour on his fastball over his final five starts.
Rodon joins a talented pitching staff that includes breakout right-hander Logan Webb, Alex Wood, Alex Cobb, and Anthony DeSclafani. With much of the rotation having its own valid injury concerns, it’s easy to see why the Giants were eager to add a talent like Rodon. And it’s hard to question a franchise that has developed a proven track record of success when it comes to pitching in recent years. Rodon might have an idea of what he’s getting into as his former pitching coach in Chicago, Ethan Katz, was previously on Gabe Kapler‘s staff in San Francisco. With health, the Giants could have one of the best rotations in the National League, a rotation they’ll need to lean on to defend their NL West title. As far as the fantasy implications go, Rodon is sure to see a significant bump in his average draft position after landing in such a favorable spot. Whether the profit potential is worth it may just depend on your level of risk-aversion.
Kershaw returns to Dodgers on one-year deal
Speaking of the NL West and competing, the Dodgers countered San Francisco’s move on Friday by re-signing future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw to a one-year, $17 million deal. Bringing back the Los Angeles legend was a no-brainer for the Dodgers after losing Corey Seager and Max Scherzer to free agency. And besides, could you really imagine perhaps the best pitcher of this generation in any other uniform? The 33-year-old former MVP posted a 3.55 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 144 strikeouts across 121 2/3 innings. The ERA was his highest since his 2008 rookie season -- ok, that’s just silly. Kershaw showed he still has plenty left in the tank with a 10.65 K/9 and 25.2 percent K-BB rate. Unfortunately, he struggled to stay on the mound as forearm issues sidelined him for two months and caused him to miss the 2021 postseason. Kershaw is expected to be ready for the 2022 season. He’ll re-join Walker Buehler and Julio Urias atop the rotation while some combination of Andrew Heaney, Tony Gonsolin, and David Price figure to round out the back end. The team also awaits a resolution to the Trevor Bauer situation as the league investigates a possible suspension.
Quick Hits: Jon Heyman of the MLB Network reports the Mariners, Giants, Dodgers, Cubs, and Red Sox are interested in star Japanese outfielder Seiya Suzuki... According to Michael Mayer of Metsmerized, the Mets have had trade discussions with the Reds about Tyler Mahle... Dodgers manager Dave Roberts estimated Friday that Max Muncy (elbow) is 85 percent recovered and expects to have the infielder available on Opening Day... Twins manager Rocco Baldelli stated Alex Kirilloff‘s wrist looked to be in a good spot while swinging a bat on Friday... The Cubs signed Andrelton Simmons to a one-year $4 million contract... Martin Perez signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Rangers... The Cardinals signed Drew VerHagen to a two-year, $5.5 million contract... The Blue Jays signed Andrew Vasquez to a major league contract... The Rays signed David Rodriguez, Seth Blair, and Joe Hudson to minor league contracts... The Rangers signed Brandon Workman to a minor league contract... Elvis Andrus will be ready to compete in A’s camp after offseason surgery to repair a fractured fibula... Cole Hamels intends to pitch in 2022... Adam Conley retired from baseball... Trevor Bauer has been placed on administrative leave for seven days while MLB investigates a possible suspension... The Twins signed Juan Minaya to a minor league contract... The Angels signed AJ Ramos to a minor league contract...
