Minnesota Twins Rumors: Boston Red Sox have interest in Fernando Rodney
By Nate Palmer
The Minnesota Twins will be sellers at the trade deadline and it appears that the Boston Red Sox are checking in on closer Fernando Rodney
The Minnesota Twins had an awful recent road trip that caused them to fall into the double digits for games back from the division lead. If it wasn’t clear earlier, it is clear now that the Twins will be full on sellers come the trade deadline. A question we asked a week ago was whether or not the Twins would have anything to sell and now rumors point to at least one player that is being asked about.
Early Saturday morning ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick tweeted this out expressing the Boston Red Sox potential interest in veteran reliever and Twins closer Fernando Rodney.
The #RedSox are cutting a wide swath in search of bullpen depth. One name on their list: Fernando Rodney, who is familiar to GM Dave Dombrowski from their time together with #Tigers. Rodney, 41, has 18 saves and a 2.97 ERA for #Twins this season. File it under "worth a look.''
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 7, 2018
The connection makes sense. The Red Sox are 60-29 which gives them the best record in the American League. One thing contenders can never have enough of is good bullpen help. While the Red Sox already have a great closer in Craig Kimbrel, Rodney could serve as a solid 7th or 8th inning option for the Red Sox.
This season, Rodney owns a 2.97 ERA over 30.1 innings pitched and has recorded 18 saves. He also has struck out 34 batters over that time frame for a 10.1 K/9. Rodney doesn’t come without some warts. Those were clearly on display recently as he blew back-to-back save opportunities on June 28th and July 2nd.
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While Rodney has the flair to give fans heart attacks on the way to saves, he has also been very effective. Over a stretch this season from April 28th to June 24th, Rodney pitched in 20 games and had a 1.37 ERA and 15 saves. That type of performance could be valuable to just about any contender.
Rodney will also prove to be a cheaper option to some of the bigger name late-inning relievers that are available. He also has a history with current Red Sox General Manager Dave Dombrowski from their time with the Detroit Tigers. That past history could give a certain comfort level that may help facilitate a trade for Rodney.
The Red Sox have one of the weaker farm systems in baseball, but the Twins should still be able to find a flier prospect to take a chance on in exchange for Rodney. At this point, the Twins will simply be looking for a player that can add to their current depth in a strong farm system. There is also value in opening up major league innings for the group of young relievers they have waiting in the minor league ranks for their chance to prove themselves.
Next: Twins taking the right steps with Byron Buxton, mostly
If you haven’t had a chance to experience it yet, your days may be numbered on seeing the Fernando Rodney experience in person. Then again, maybe some of us are all experienced out and are ready to see those young arms receive their chance.