The Minnesota Twins continue to add to a pitching staff that was well below average last season. A day after signing former New York Yankees starter Michael Pineda, Minnesota has added veteran reliever Fernando Rodney on a one-year, $6 million contract.
Rodney gets 1 year 6 mil from Twins.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) December 14, 2017
Rodney, a three-time All-Star, posted 39 saves for the Arizona Diamondbacks last season. He also tallied a 4.23 ERA and a solid 1.19 WHIP while striking out more than a batter per inning.
He’ll take over as the Twins’ closer after the team dealt former stopper Brandon Kintzler to Washington during the trade deadline last July. Stopgap closer Matt Belisle is also currently a free agent.
This comes amid suggestions that the Twins might very well be looking to add former Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers starter Yu Darvish to the mix (more on that here).
Despite making a surprise appearance in the playoffs last season, general manager Thad Levine is looking to overhaul a pitching staff that posted a horrendous 4.59 ERA last season. Rodney is obviously a big part of this.