MLB Rumors: Diamondbacks closing in on Fernando Rodney
According to Jon Heyman, the Arizona Diamondbacks are closing in on a deal for free agent reliever Fernando Rodney.
After the Arizona Diamondbacks spent a lot of money and traded away several prospects last year, the 2015 season turned into a disappointing one for the club. They are hoping new general manager Mike Hazen can turn the team around. One of the biggest areas he has to address is the team’s bullpen. According to Jon Heyman, Fernando Rodney could be that guy.
Heyman sent out a tweet saying that the Diamondbacks were closing in on a deal for the veteran reliever. Rodney spent last season with the San Diego Padres and Miami Marlins. He’s bounced around the league, but the Diamondbacks need a veteran they can turn to.
Sources: dbacks close on Fernando Rodney deal
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 7, 2016
The Diamondbacks struggled to hold leads when they got them last season and getting a reliable arm in the bullpen is a must. The team has shown interest in bringing back former reliever Brad Ziegler but getting Rodney is a start.
It’s doubtful that a deal like this is the last one the Diamondbacks make in the bullpen. While they have some arms they like in the bullpen currently, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a complete overhaul of their arms.
Rodney still has the ability to bring some heat from the mound and he brings a personality with him. With a bullpen that lacked some personality and needs a facelift, this is the type of move that makes all the sense in the world for them.