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The Detroit Tigers acquired Francisco Rodriguez from the Milwaukee Brewers for infielder Javier Betancourt and a player to be named later, according to The Detroit Free Press.
The Tigers have decided not to attempt to acquire Aroldis Chapman or any other top closer this off-season. Instead, Detroit was able to acquire one of the better closers over the last few seasons without giving up what it would have to lose in order to get Chapman on the roster. The 33-year-old doesn’t have the velocity he once had, but he still knows how to pitch. The right-hander had a solid 2.21 ERA and 62/11 K/BB ratio over 57 innings this past season to go along with 38 saves. It was an impressive enough season for Tigers general manager Ali Avila to trade for him to fill a much-needed void.
“We felt that Francisco, with his experience, gave us the best option to close games for us this coming year, and it gives us the flexibility to continue to add bullpen pieces,” Avila told The Detroit Free Press. “We felt like it was something we liked, as far as the overall trade. And it was good for both clubs.”
The Tigers will have Rodriguez under contract through 2017 although there’s a $6 million club option for next season or a $2 million buyout. He’s owed $7.5 million ($2 million deferred for 2018) next season, which isn’t a terrible price for a closer that can still produce. He’s ranked seventh on the all-time list with 386 saves. He also has the MLB record of 62 saves in a season. Rodriguez has pitched for five teams prior to Detroit while making six All-Star teams, which means he’s been able to adjust to new teams and new ballparks quite well.
The Cincinnati Reds are still trying to shop Chapman. Since the Tigers acquired Rodriguez and the Boston Red Sox traded for Craig Kimbrel, it’s now two less teams for the flame-thrower to land in. Chapman could cost teams a lot just to acquire him because of how dominant he is on the mound with his constant 100-mph fastballs.
The Brewers are coming off a 68-win season. They are rebuilding and now have a 20-year-old second baseman to have develop in their farm system. Betancourt had a .263 BA with 3 HR and 48 RBI with Class-A Lakeland this season. It was his fourth season in the minors and actually his worst overall on offense. There’s still plenty of promise for the youngster as he continues to get more seasoning in the minor leagues.
