Eduardo Rodriguez with the Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks were short on arms in the playoffs. So they said to themselves that it took a little more to get to the next level.

And that's what they did: they got their hands on reinforcements.

Left-handed starter Eduardo Rodriguez therefore signed a contract that will guarantee him at least $80 million over four years, or $20 million per year.

An option and performance bonuses could bring the contract to $100 million.

Total potential value is an even $100M.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 7, 2023

Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Brandon Pfaadt and E-Rod will form an excellent top-4. In their division, in 2024, it will be hard to beat.

Note that the GM of the DBacks, Mike Hazen, is a former member of the Red Sox. He knew Rodriguez there, which may have helped lure him to the desert.

Remember that the pitcher pitched poorly in 2022 in Detroit, but in 2023, he was excellent. He used his exit option to become a free agent.

He also refused to go to Los Angeles at the last trade deadline.

• Jeimer Candelario with the Reds.

Jeimer Candelario is engaged in ongoing discussions with the Reds, as @mikedeportes reported tonight, and Cincinnati has emerged as the leader to sign the free-agent infielder.

If Candelario joins the Reds, they'd likely trade an infielder before Opening Day.@MLBNetwork @MLB

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 7, 2023

• The Angels in the mix for Shohei Ohtani.