When recruiting free agents, money is usually the most important factor.
And there is absolutely nothing wrong with it.
If the tax and cost-of-living situations are similar, a player will likely choose a four-year, $80 million offer over a three-year, $55 million one.
However, there is more to recruiting than just offering money to players.
With some of them, you have to make them feel wanted and needed while offering a solid life project and also a good salary.
It’s a complete package.
MLB insider Jon Morosi explained via Twitter how the Arizona Diamondbacks, the reigning NL champs, convinced left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez that it was in his best interests to sign with them.
“Eduardo Rodríguez was very impressed by his in-person conversation with the Dbacks at the Winter Meetings this week. Rodríguez was swayed by the thoughtfulness of the team’s presentation and chance to live in one place year-round,” he tweeted.
Eduardo Rodríguez was very impressed by his in-person conversation with the Dbacks at the Winter Meetings this week.
Rodríguez was swayed by the thoughtfulness of the team’s presentation and chance to live in one place year-round. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 7, 2023
Every player has different demands, conditions, likes and dislikes: that’s why the process should be flexible to modifications and changes.
But in this particular case, the D-Backs were able to offer Rodriguez a nice place to live for him and his family, and a competitive baseball team that was probably one E-Rod away from seriously contending again.
Of course, the four-year, $80 million contract comes in handy, too.
The D-Backs now have a very solid rotation thanks in part to Rodriguez, who had a 3.30 ERA last season with the Detroit Tigers.
He will be joining studs Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, and Brandon Pfaadt on the 2024 staff.
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