3 reasons why the Reds should sign Seth Lugo instead of Eduardo Rodriguez

Aaron Nola is off the market, and so is Lance Lynn. But there are several impact arms who are still available in free agency this offseason.

The Cincinnati Reds are said to be looking to add an arm or two this offseason, and while the bullpen could use some help as well, the starting rotation has to be a point of emphasis this winter.

Two pitchers who are still available in free agency are Eduardo Rodriguez and Seth Lugo. Both have a chance to secure multi-year deals this offseason, but Lugo would be the better fit for the Reds. Let's look at why signing Lugo should take precedence over Rodriguez.

1. Seth Lugo is much more versatile than Eduardo Rodriguez

Whispers from the Cincinnati Reds front office seem to suggest that the team is looking for a pitcher who can offer the team a unique ability to work as both a starter and reliever. The Atlanta Braves just signed Reynaldo Lopez to perhaps take on a similar role.

Seth Lugo proved last season that he has what it takes to be a starter in the league. After years as a reliever, Lugo stepped into the San Diego Padres rotation in 2023 and started 26 games. Lugo posted a 3.57 ERA and 3.83 FIP according to FanGraphs.

Of Lugo's 301 major league appearances, 64 have come as a starter. The same cannot be said of Eduardo Rodriguez. During his time with both the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers, Rodriguez has started 196 of his 202 games pitched.

While some fans may not like this idea of signing a swingman like Seth Lugo or Nick Martinez, given the number of young starting pitchers the Cincinnati Reds have on their 40-man roster and in the farm system, this could be money well spent.