Report: Mariners, Fernando Rodney agree on two-year, $14 million deal
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The Seattle Mariners have reportedly struck a deal with another Dominican star, brokering a two-year agreement with free agent closer Fernando Rodney.
Source: #Mariners, Fernando Rodney agree on 2-year, $14 million contract. Could earn up to $15M with incentives.
— Jonah Keri (@jonahkeri) February 6, 2014
With the signing, the suddenly-legitimate Mariners have addressed arguably their most-glaring need. In 66 save opportunities a season ago, Mariners relievers failed to close out 23 games - good enough for a 65% clip. They also ranked fifth in baseball with 82 meltdowns to just 123 shutdowns.
Rodney, although certainly no slouch last season (he struck out 82 batters in 66 2/3 innings pitched), is just two years removed from one of the best closing seasons in baseball history. The 36-year-old fashioned a sparkling 0.60 ERA, saved 48 games in 50 tries, finishing fifth in Cy Young voting.
Over two seasons with Tampa Bay, Rodney posted a 1.91 ERA in 141.1 innings, cutting his walk rate from a mark of 4.46 walks per nine innings pre-Tampa to just 2.99 with the Rays.