Rodney started his career with the Tigers and pitched in the big leagues in Detroit from 2002-2009.
ORLANDO, Fla. — There will be no reunion between the Detroit Tigers and former closer Fernando Rodney.
Rodney signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Twins for a reported $4.5 million (plus another $1.5 million in possible incentives). The deal also contains a team option should the ageless Rodney, who turns 41 in March, want to pitch another year.
Tigers general manager Al Avila said Wednesday that the team was interested in talking with Rodney, but no visit ever materialized.
Rodney started his career with the Tigers and pitched in the big leagues in Detroit from 2002-2009. Since then, he’s pitched with seven different teams, usually in a closer or set-up role.
He had 39 saves in 2017 for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Tigers are looking at veteran options for the bullpen, but would probably prefer to spend less than what Rodney ultimately got from the Twins.
Shane Greene ended the year as the Tigers’ closer; it’s unknown whether Rodney would have come to Detroit without being promised the first shot at the closer’s job.
Avila said bullpen roles will be up to new manager Ron Gardenhire.
«The bullpen is going to be set up by Gardy the way he feels it’s going to work the best,» Avila said.
The Tigers also need an infielder and perhaps another starting pitcher. The Tigers could fill those needs on the minor-league free agent market. They could also wait until February, when unsigned veterans start settling for minor-league deals that come with invitations to spring training.
