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Toronto Blue Jays Rumors: Toronto Interested in Fernando Rodney

By Paul Taylor

May 22, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Seattle Mariners pitcher Fernando Rodney (56) pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays in the ninth inning at Rogers Centre. The Mariners won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
May 22, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Seattle Mariners pitcher Fernando Rodney (56) pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays in the ninth inning at Rogers Centre. The Mariners won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to reports, the Toronto Blue Jays have inquired about Fernando Rodney, but would it be a good move to bring the pitcher to Southern Ontario?

It’s fair to say the majority of attention currently surrounding the Toronto Blue Jays centres on their pitching staff. In particular, they are currently considering their options to further boost the starting rotation.

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However, the front office is also interested in bolstering the strength of the bullpen. As per a report from Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe, Toronto has been linked with a move for Fernando Rodney.

Cafardo wrote that the Blue Jays have “kicked the tires” in respect of Rodney. The question is, would signing him represent a smart business decision by Toronto?

In truth, it’s tough to know, especially when you consider that 2015 represented an up-and-down year for the two-time MLB All-Star. His respective performances for the Seattle Mariners and the Chicago Cubs were like night and day.

Simply put, Rodney was a disaster with the Mariners last season, posting a 5.68 ERA over 50.2 innings. More specifically, he had the lowest save percentage mark of all the closers who qualified.

Toronto Blue Jays
October 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Fernando Rodney (57) reacts after he is relieved in the seventh inning against St. Louis Cardinals in game four of the NLDS at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

On the flip side, the 2012 AL Comeback Player of the Year turned it around, once he was traded to Chicago. In 12 innings for Cubs, he posted an ERA of 0.75.

It’s also worth noting that Rodney did lead the AL with a career-high 48 saves just a year earlier, with the Mariners. However, his fading velocity and age (38) makes it highly unlikely he will replicate this performance moving forward.

In some respects, it is the Dominican Republic native’s age, which makes him a viable proposition. As has been shown by other moves they’ve made this offseason, the Blue Jays are mainly interested in affordable options at this juncture, with Rodney fitting the bill.

Furthermore, he will not necessarily be expected to take over as the main closer. However, he would definitely provide depth in the role, behind Roberto Osuna.

Next: Blue Jays interested in Yovani Gallardo

If Toronto do decide to negotiate a deal with Rodney, they will have at least two other teams to contend with. According to reports, the Cubs are considering re-signing him, while the San Diego Padres are also showing an interest.

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