When the San Diego Padres shipped reliever Craig Kimbrel to the Boston Red Sox earlier this season they created a void in their bullpen. After spending money on several high priced players last offseason, the Padres front office has had a change in philosophy with the recent signing of closer Fernando Rodney to a one-year deal.
The contract is worth $1.5 million for the 2016 season with an option for the 2017 as well. As per MLB.com, the deal can max out at $7 million if all performance thresholds are reached.
Fernando Rodney Agrees to Deal With Padres
.@Padres, RHP Fernando Rodney reportedly agree to deal. Club has not confirmed. https://t.co/xIq1BCfXHp pic.twitter.com/dNiKsGijTO
— MLB (@MLB) January 20, 2016
Rodney is a former two time All-Star with both the Tampa Bay Rays in 2012 and most recently the Seattle Mariners in 2014. For his career, Rodney has 236 saves to go along with a 3.71 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 8.8 strikeouts per nine innings across 13 seasons with the Tigers, Angels, Rays, Mariners, and Cubs.
Rodney began the 2015 campaign as Seattle’s closer, but due to struggling command, blown saves, and a bloated ERA (5.68 ERA), he was designated for assignment and eventual traded to the Chicago Cubs in August. Rodney appeared to settle down once he was traded, as he posted a 0.75 ERA during his stint in Chicago.
The soon to be 39 year old closer is the right kind of low risk, bargain bin signing which could pay dividends to the Padres, who were able to rid themselves of Kimbrel’s large contract and acquire some highly regarded prospects as well. Rodney is only a year removed from his All-Star season in Seattle where he totaled a career high 48 saves.
Main Photo: ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 05: Fernando Rodney #56 of the Seattle Mariners pitches against the Texas Rangers in the bottom of the ninth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on September 5, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images Sport)
