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

2. Seth Lugo should be a cheaper option than Eduardo Rodriguez

If you're a team looking to add a starting pitcher, you're not alone. One could argue that almost every single organization is looking to add a starter or two this offseason.

Let's face it, Reds fans, Cincinnati is not going to compete with the big market teams. Can they? Sure. Will they? Probably not. So rather than setting their sights on a pitcher like Sonny Gray or Blake Snell, the Cincinnati Reds are going to be looking at that next tier of starters.

That tier would include both Seth Lugo and Eduardo Rodriguez. While both pitchers turned down the opportunity to return to their respective franchises this offseason, there's a big difference between the figure that Lugo rejected and the one that Rodriguez renounced.

Lugo's player-option was only $7.5 million, so it's safe to assume that the right-hander will be looking for more money this offseason. But Rodriguez spurned the final three years and $49 million he was owed by the Detroit Tigers. That's a big chunk of change.

Obviously, Eduardo Rodriguez will be looking for more years and more zeroes. Even if the average annual value (AAV) remains the same, Rodriguez is likely looking for a deal that would add an extra guaranteed year to any deal.

MLB Trade Rumors predicts that Seth Lugo will land a three-year/$42-million deal ($14-million AAV), while Rodriguez is estimated to sign a four-year/$82-million pact ($20.5-million AAV).

Seeing as how the Cincinnati Reds may be looking to lock up some of their own players this offseason, and have more needs than just adding a starting pitcher, saving about $6 million per season over the next three years could help to build a more complete roster.