Oakland Athletics’ Bullpen: Five Potential Offseason Targets
Jul 23, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Fernando Rodney (56) walks off the field in the eleventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Seattle Mariners RHP Fernando Rodney
38 years old, $7 million
Although Rodney is the currently the highest paid man out of the five, he most certainly won’t be next season. His contract is based on his past accomplishments, which have been plenty. Leading the AL in saves (48) in 2014, he dominated everyone he faced the previous three years. In that span, he held a 2.21 ERA and an impressive 10.1 SO/9. He also racked up a total of 133 saves for both the M’s and the Tampa Bay Rays. However this season he has taken a big step back and some speculate his age has finally caught up with him. In 2015, his walks have increased while his K’s have decreased, along with some of his velocity, which up until recently was consistently in the upper 90’s. Along with his 5.44 ERA over 46.1 innings, he has been demoted from the closer role and will, as a result, likely limp into free agency.
While it is true that Father Time is undefeated, it seems like Rodney still has some left in the tank. Maybe not as a closer, but to say that the Dominican right-hander can’t pitch in the big leagues is just not accurate. He would be accurately labeled as a “high-risk, high-reward” type pitcher, but at this point, Oakland could use his talents. Whether it be just a $2 million offer, or even a veterans minimum based on how much he’s declined, the A’s would be wise to keep their eyes on the veteran.