Top Trade Target Blocks Deal to LA Dodgers With No-Trade Clause

After missing out on Justin Verlander, the Los Angeles Dodgers nearly had another top-flight starter to add to their rotation in a trade arranged with the Detroit Tigers, but Eduardo Rodriguez quashed the deal by invoking his no-trade clause.

#Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Eduardo Rodriguez chose not to waive his no-trade clause.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) August 1, 2023

Rodriguez had a 10-team no-trade clause, and Los Angeles was on it. According to reports, Rodriguez cited a desire to remain closer to his family on the East Coast.

Detroit Tigers GM Scott Harris on Eduardo Rodriguez vetoing his deal with the LA #Dodgers: "We reached a deal he was not comfortable with.''
Harris says Rodriguez is comfortable in Detroit, and it's possible they work out an extension to keep him him exercising his opt-out.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 1, 2023

And as reported now by Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Tigers GM Scott Harris says that Rodriguez is very comfortable in Detroit, to the point where it's possible that they might even work out an extension to keep him from exercising his opt-out at the end of this season.

The Tigers signed Rodriguez to a 5-year, $77M contract in 2022; that first season was a bust, as he missed nearly half the season being away from the team for personal reasons to do with family. This, of course, jibes with the reports that family is what was behind his refusal to head to Los Angeles.

After a 4.05 ERA last season, E-Rod has been stellar this year, posting a 2.95 ERA in 15 starts with a 1.03 WHIP, and holding the opposition to a .216 batting average.

Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports