Diamondbacks Sign Fernando Rodney: Fantasy Fallout

By Bill Pivetz | Dec 10, 2016

Jul 8, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins relief pitcher Fernando Rodney (56) delivers a pitch during the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Marlins Park. The Marlins won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

The Diamondbacks signed their new closer in Fernando Rodney. It what was a tale of two halves for him in 2016, can he have success this season?

The Arizona Diamondbacks had one of the worst bullpens in the league last season. With a revolving door in the closer role, the Diamondbacks may have found a consistent option for 2017. The team signed veteran closer Fernando Rodney to a one-year deal. After the success he had last season, can he repeat that next season?

We know how dominant Rodney was with the Tampa Bay Rays and Seattle Mariners between 2012 and 2014. He had an off first half of 2015 with the Mariners, but bounced back in the second half with the Chicago Cubs despite not recording a save.

Last season was a split of the good and bad of Rodney. In 28 games with the San Diego Padres, he recorded 17 saves with a 0.31 ERA and 0.872. He didn’t allow his first run until June 21, his 26th game. He also had a 10.4 K/9 and 3.8 BB/9.

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Rodney was then traded to the Miami Marlins. Unfortunately, that removed him from many save opportunities with A.J. Ramos as the closer. He did record seven, but his ratio stats rose exponentially.

Rodney had a 5.89 ERA and 1.80 WHIP in 39 games. He kept his strikeout rate the same, but his walk rate almost doubled.

Rodney will have a big question mark around him entering next season. He has the closer experience from San Diego, but he also imploded in Miami.

I think if the Diamondbacks can get Rodney somewhere in between, because we know he won’t post an ERA under 1.00 or higher than 5.00, they would be happy.

Three different relievers recorded at least four saves for Arizona, Jake Barrett (four), Daniel Hudson (five) and Brad Ziegler (18). They ranked 27th in team saves with 31 out of 53 possible chances. The offense scored enough runs to support their pitchers, 4.64 runs per game, 11th in the league. Though, the bullpen couldn’t hold the lead long enough to secure the save.

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While I don’t expect the Diamondbacks to contend in the National League West, Rodney could be a sleeper closer in drafts. If he can post a 2.80 ERA and 28 saves, that would be a win in my back.

Target him in the final rounds of your draft.

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