Phillies: Low Cost Relief Pitching Options in Free Agency
By Joe Piazza
Fernando Rodney, Miami Marlins
This guy is the prime example of a roller-coaster reliever. Despite having decent overall numbers for the year – 3.44 ERA, 25 saves, 74 K in 65.1 IP – Rodney’s second half performance would imply that he is damaged goods.
After starting the season with a 0.31 ERA over 28.1 innings for the Padres, the Marlins decided to acquire him. Having previously set the single-season record for lowest Earned Run Average (0.60) in 2012 with the Rays, Rodney seemed to have found his form once again. However, this was not the case.
From the day he touched down in Miami, Rodney lost his edge on the mound. He pitched to a 5.89 ERA during his time with the Marlins, which explains why he’s a low-cost option.
He signed an incentive-laden contract last season (with a base salary of $1.6 million), and the Phillies would be wise to offer him something similar.
Estimated Offer – 1 year/$3 million (plus incentives)