MLB Rumors: Padres, Fernando Rodney close to deal
The San Diego Padres appear to be close to signing closer Fernando Rodney to a contract to become the team’s new closer.
After trading both Craig Kimbrel and Joaquin Benoit in separate deals with the Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners, the San Diego Padres figured out about two months later that they don’t have anyone slated to hande the ninth inning role in 2016.
They appear to be close to solving that issue.
According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Padres and free agent Fernando Rodney are close to a deal that could make the former Mariner the team’s new closer.
sources; padres and fernando rodney are closing in on a deal
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 15, 2016
Rodney struggled during his second season in Seattle, posting a 5.68 ERA and blowing six of his 22 save opportunities with the Mariners before losing his job and ultimately being traded to the Chicago Cubs. In Chicago, Rodney found some stronger footing, making 14 appearances (in a set-up capacity) and posting a 0.75 ERA and a 11.3 K/9 ratio.
Prior to his 2015 slide, Rodney had been surprisingly dominant. The veteran rebuilt his career while with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2012 and managed to post three solid campaigns where he averaged 44 saves, a 2.21 ERA, and a 10.1 K/9 ratio splitting time between the Rays and Mariners.
The Padres, in the middle of a rebuild, are likely envisioning a one-year deal for Rodney. The right-hander will undoubtedly become the team’s closer, and San Diego is hoping he has a few more arrows left in the quiver. A move to Petco Park certainly won’t hurt things either.