Former Brewers pitcher signs overseas in free agency 1 Apr 5, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Elvin Rodriguez (35) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Former Brewers pitcher signs overseas in free agency

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By John Sbisa | Last updated Dec 12, 2025 7:00 PM ET

Former Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Elvin Rodriguez is heading overseas on a deal with the Lotte Giants of the Korean Baseball Organization for the 2026 season. The 27-year-old right-hander pitched 18.2 innings for the Brewers last season, and also spent time with the Orioles’ and Diamondbacks’ organizations. After a rough go at the major-league level, joining the KBO allows Rodriguez to continue his baseball career and perhaps find his way back to MLB. For Rodriguez, it’s a template that has worked before.

Rodriguez heads back to foreign-league baseball after recurring MLB struggles

In addition to his work last season, Rodriguez previously saw MLB reps with the Tigers in 2022 and the Rays in ’23. He then revitalized his career in the Japanese League before joining the Brewers. Playing for the Yakult Swallows in the Central and Eastern Leagues, Rodriguez totaled 88 innings with a 1.74 ERA in 2024.

He previously pitched for the Swallows in 2023, in addition to a handful of innings for the Rays in MLB.

Rodriguez had a rough go for the Brewers. He surrendered 18 earned runs on 23 hits and seven home runs, posting an 8.68 ERA as he alternated between Milwaukee and Triple-A Nashville. He recorded a 4.25 ERA for the Sounds in 29.2 IP.

In his big-league career, Rodriguez is 0-6 with a 9.40 ERA in 52.2 innings. He has allowed 68 hits including 21 longballs. In nearly 700 minor-league innings, he has pitched to a 3.95 ERA in parts of nine seasons. He has been both a starter and reliever at both levels.

A native of San Cristobal in the Dominican Republic, Rodriguez joined the Angels’ organization back in 2015 pitching for the Dominican Summer League.

The Lotte Giants also re-signed Rodriguez’ former Tigers teammate Victor Reyes, who has spent the past two seasons with the team after a five-year career in Detroit.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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