Padres, reliever Fernando Rodney reportedly agree to 1-year deal
The San Diego Padres reportedly have added another veteran right-hander to the back end of their bullpen.
As first reported by CBS Sports and confirmed by MLB.com, the Padres have agreed to a one-year deal with veteran reliever Fernando Rodney, who will turn 39 before the beginning of the 2016 season.
MLB.com reports that the deal, which is pending a physical, is worth $1.5 million, but Rodney can make up to $7 million if he fulfills incentives in the contracts. He made $7 million per season in 2014 and 2015.
The Padres have yet to announce the deal.
After a rough start to 2015 with the Mariners, with whom he posted a 5.68 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in 54 appearances, Rodney reversed course upon being picked up by the Chicago Cubs, notching a 2-0 record with a 0.75 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 14 appearances for the Cubs during their playoff push.
San Diego's reported acquisition of Rodney comes on the heels of a purging of the back end of their bullpen, including the trades of closer Craig Kimbrel and late-innings reliever Joaquin Benoit.
In an effort to restock their bullpen, the Padres have also signed veteran right-hander Carlos Villanueva.
While Rodney's closing responsibilities diminished in 2015 due to attrition, a recent report from The San Diego Union-Tribune said he is "expected to receive the first crack at the ninth inning" if the deal becomes official.
