The White Sox will be without a familiar arm going into the 2022 season.
Free-agent starting pitcher Carlos Rodon is heading to San Francisco on a two-year deal worth $44 million, per reports from Jeff Passan and Susan Slusser. The southpaw will receive $21.5 million this season, $22.5 million in 2023, and have an opt-out available after the first season.
Rodon, 29, was regarded as the top starter still on the market thanks to his impressive 2021 campaign. The lefty went 13-5 with a 2.37 ERA (35 ER/132.2 IP), 185 strikeouts, 36 walks, 2.65 FIP, 0.957 WHIP, and 5.0 WAR. Numbers aside, Rodon’s season was highlighted by his April 14th no-hitter against Cleveland, first-ever All-Star appearance in July, and a fifth-place finish in the Cy Young voting at the year’s end.
Following the season, the White Sox opted against giving him an $18.4 million qualifying offer in a controversial topic among fans. This led to some speculation about Rodon’s health as the veteran pitcher dealt with shoulder fatigue late in the season, only adding to his extensive list of injuries to date. That aside, both parties knew that the Scott Boras client was pursuing a multi-year deal and be in a price range outside of what Rick Hahn and Co. would be comfortable offering. Now, Rodon has the deal he was looking for with an opt-out that could lead to even more money next winter if he repeats his 2021 performance in the Bay Area.
For now, we bid farewell and would like to thank No. 55 for everything!
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