Eduardo Rodriguez
The newest addition to the Diamondbacks rotation, Eduardo Rodriguez, signed a four-year deal during the Winter Meetings. Rodriguez adds another quality veteran rotation anchor and someone who could be an all-star next season, at least based on how he pitched last year and throughout his career.
Rodriguez rebounded from an injury-plagued 2021 season, pitching to a 3.30 ERA, 3.60 FIP, and 1.15 WHIP through 152.2 innings of work. The veteran southpaw had an above-average 23% strikeout rate and posted the third-best walk rate of his career, clocking in at 7.7%. Rodriguez's 0.88 HR/9 rate was also a career-best, but do keep in mind he played in the spacious Comerica Park.
The lefty was slightly above average at limiting hard contact. Rodriguez clocked in with a 7.5% barrel rate, 88.6 MPH exit velocity, and 38.5% hard-hit rate. Although some may be concerned about how he will fare outside of such a pitcher-friendly environment, keep in mind that Chase Field is also fairly pitcher-friendly and that the Diamondbacks' defense was significantly better than the Tigers' last year.
Rodriguez was a great pick-up by the Diamondbacks. The D-Backs really needed a fourth-quality pitcher to add to the rotation, and they went out and got it. He will likely slot in behind Zac Gallen, but don't be surprised if the next guy on our list ends up pitching better than him.