For the second time this week, the Cubs were included on a list of teams interested in free agent reliever Fernando Rodney.
Nick Cafardo reported Saturday the Cubs have “talked about bringing him back.” The Padres and Blue Jays “have also kicked the tires on signing Fernando Rodney.” With Rodney looking to close games again, the Padres could offer him the best opportunity to do so.
According to Chris Cotillo, Rodney is in “active talks” with several teams and the Cubs, Blue Jays, Padres and Diamondbacks are among the teams interested in signing him.
Fernando Rodney rebounded nicely last season pitching out of the Cubs’ pen. Rodney was horrible in Seattle before he was designated for assignment. Rodney, who turns 39 in March, was 5-5 with a 5.68 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in 54 games with the Mariners. Rodney was charged with 32 runs on 51 hits with 25 walks and 43 strikeouts in 50 2/3 innings. Rodney was 16-for-22 in save opportunities and allowed two of the five runners he inherited to score.
After being reunited with Joe Maddon, Rodney was 2-0 in 14 games with a 0.75 ERA and 1.00 WHIP. Rodney allowed four runs, one earned, on eight hits with four walks and 15 strikeouts in 12 innings. Teams had a .186/.300/.279 slash line and both runners Rodney inherited scored. In two post-season games, Rodney gave up two runs on one hit with two walks and three strikeouts in 1 2/3 innings.
Fernando Rodney had a $7 million salary in each of his last two years. It has not been reported what Rodney is looking for this time around.
Indians Done Making Big Moves
Paul Hoynes reported Tuesday that it “sounds like Tribe is done making big moves, but Chris Antonetti said under right circumstances, he would give up No. 1 pick to sign a free agent.”
According to Hoynes, “The Indians, unless an unexpected opportunity arises, are probably done making significant moves.” The Indians signed free agents Mike Napoli and Rajai Davis to create “a deeper and more balanced lineup.” Antonetti said they will “continue to look for opportunities to improve” and mentioned if a position player or a bullpen arm could be added to compliment the team, the Indians would look at those types of moves.
If the Indians are done with big moves this off-season, as Hoynes suggested, that would seem to signal the end of the Cubs and Indians making a trade before Spring Training.
The two teams have reportedly discussed deals that would involve Jorge Soler being included in a package for either Carlos Carrasco or Danny Salazar and Lonnie Chisenhall. The Indians have long coveted Soler and talks between the Cubs and Indians are believed to have him as the main player going to Cleveland for one of their starting pitchers.
The Indians have maintained they do not want to trade any of their starting pitchers. And Theo Epstein has made it sound like the Cubs would have to be blown away in order to trade Jorge Soler.
• Full Report from Paul Hoynes