Known for his bow and arrow routine, veteran reliever Fernando Rodney has signed with the Minnesota Twins, according to reports. The deal is, according to Craig Mish, for one year worth a total of $6 million, $4.5 million for the contract and $1.5 million in incentives. As of now, the team has not yet confirmed the deal, as it is pending a physical.
Done deal : RP Fernando Rodney signs with Minnesota Twins. Pending physical.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) December 14, 2017
Specifics : Rodney deal is 1 yr 4.5 MIL + 1.5 incentives, likely ends up 6.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) December 14, 2017
Fernando Rodney Signs With Minnesota Twins
Rodney’s Career Profile
Signed as an amateur free agent by the Detroit Tigers in 1997, Rodney would wait until 2002 to make his MLB debut. In his rookie season, Rodney would pitch an even 6.00 ERA with 10 strikeouts in 18 innings pitched. Two years later, Rodney, unfortunately, would not play a single game, in the majors or minors, due to injury. Rodney would go on to play seven years for the Tigers, pitching a 4.28 ERA with 314 strikeouts and 70 saves in 330 innings pitched. During the 2009 offseason, Rodney would sign a 2 year, $11 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels. In those two years with the Angels, Rodney would put up a 4.32 ERA with 79 strikeouts as well as 17 saves in 100 innings pitched.
Becoming an All-Star Closer
After his time in Los Angeles, Rodney signed a one year, $1.75 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, with a team option for the 2013 season. During his time with the Rays, Rodney was named to his first All-Star game in 2014. He would also finish 5th in the AL Cy Young voting, and 13th for the MVP. Rodney would spend two years in Tampa Bay, pitching an astounding 1.91 ERA with 158 strikeouts and 85 saves in 141.1 innings pitched. On February 6th, 2014, Rodney would sign a two-year, $14 million contract with the Seattle Mariners. In his first season with the Mariners, Rodney would be named to his second All-Star game in 2014. In his two years in Seattle, Rodney would pitch a 4.08 ERA with 119 strikeouts and 64 saves in 117 innings pitched.
During the 2015 August trading season, Rodney was traded to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for cash considerations. After finishing the year with the Cubs, Rodney would sign a one-year, $2 million contract with the San Diego Padres on February 4th, 2016. Two days before the 2016 Trade Deadline, Rodney would be traded to the Miami Marlins in exchange for pitcher Chris Paddack. After finishing the year with the Marlins, he would sign a one-year contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Last Year
Last season, Rodney made 61 appearances for Arizona, going 5-4 with 39 saves over 55 1/3 innings. He also put up a 4.23 ERA, 1.193 WHIP, and 10.9 K/9 innings. The Twins are adding a quality piece to the back of the bullpen. Rodney has proven he can still pitch, even at his advanced age.
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