Reports of the Arizona Diamondbacks bringing veteran relief pitcher Fernando Rodney into the fold were confirmed Friday, as the D-backs announced they signed the 39-year-old to a 1-year contract. The deal is reportedly worth $2.75 million.
Rodney has played for seven MLB teams since 2002 and is a three-time All-Star. He has a career 3.69 ERA with 261 saves; only four active players have more career saves.
Rodney posted a 3.44 ERA in 67 combined appearances for the San Diego Padres and Miami Marlins last season. He will likely become the D-backs' new closer after the team traded veteran reliever Brad Ziegler to the Boston Red Sox last season.
"With Fernando, we're getting an established Major League closer and a veteran presence in the bullpen," new D-backs general manager Mike Hazen said in a statement. "It is helpful to have someone with his experience on the back end to slow the game down and get the final three outs."
Rodney's best season came in 2012 when he notched 48 saves and posted a 0.60 ERA in 76 appearances for the Tampa Bay Rays.
OFFICIAL: The #Dbacks agree to terms with right-handed pitcher @F_Rodney56 on a 1-year contract. #LaFlecha pic.twitter.com/NeuFyuc4gO
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) December 9, 2016
This isn't the first major bullpen-related move the D-backs have made since Hazen and new manager Torey Lovullo arrived in the Valley. Last month, the D-backs declined to offer long-time reliever Daniel Hudson a new contract, making him a free agent.
