MLB Rumors: Ex-GM Says Rodon A No-Brainer For This AL East Team

There are several teams in the running for the 'Big 3' free agent starters on the market (Jacob deGrom, Justin Verlander and Carlos Rodon), but according to former MLB GM Jim Bowden, he's pegged one destination for Rodon that makes too much sense.

Bowden said on MLB Network Radio this weekend "if there's one player in free agency that screams Baltimore Orioles to me, it's Carlos Rodon."

The Orioles turned themselves into an up-and-coming team to be reckoned with this season, with the promotion of some elite prospects like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson, with more on the way. They are said to be ready to spend this winter to take it to the next level.

"I think that we are going to get started with addressing our Major League needs as soon as possible... I expect a very active offseason for us."

Orioles GM Mike Elias spoke to @jonmorosi about free agency and recent accolades in Baltimore.#MLBTonight | #Birdland pic.twitter.com/wmTDFUjqNo

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 9, 2022

"I think that we are going to get started with addressing our Major League needs as soon as possible... I expect a very active offseason for us," said GM Mike Elias. 

"They haven't spent the money (for years), now they're ready to spend it," continued Bowden. And then he gave an interesting position as to why they should even "overpay" for a guy like Rodon: "They're a team that can afford to do a really bad contract and get the player" (since they don't really have much committed in salary on the rest of the roster.)

He also noted that with the left field fence moving back last year, home runs from right-handed hitters are vastly suppressed at Camden Yards from what they used to be. It's a great place for the lefty Rodon to land. 

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