The Miami Marlins have been in the market for a relief pitcher for quite some time now. They've consistently maintained contact with free-agent right-hander Francisco Rodriguez and hope to add him to the back end of their bullpen.
The talks have been as recent as Tuesday, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, and Rodriguez is expected to have a deal with the Marlins soon. The Milwaukee Brewers were also talking to Rodriguez's agent, Scott Boras, and were apparently interested in a reunion. Rodriguez served as the closer for the Brewers in 2014 and finished with a 3.04 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 73 strikeouts and 44 saves in 69 games.
It was believed the Los Angeles Dodgers might have been interested in the 33-year-old because they lost their closer, Kenley Jansen, for 8-12 weeks after he underwent foot surgery. However, it's been reported that Rodriguez is seeking either a two-year deal or a contract worth $10 million, which the Dodgers' new front office is likely unwilling to follow through with.
Miami's aggression has seemingly separated them from the pack on the market and they could be landing him soon. However, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com confirms that the Brewers and another team (believed to be the Nationals) are also frontrunners for Rodriguez. It's been said Rodriguez still wants to be a closer, and the only real opportunity he has is with the Brewers, but the Marlins provide an interesting option, especially if they're offering the money he wants.
"The Marlins interest in Rodriguez is simple," writes Frisaro. "They want to be as strong in the back end of their 'pen as possible. The combination of K-Rod in the eighth inning and closer Steve Cishek in the ninth would be a formidable duo. Miami also lacks a second option to close if Cishek is unavailable."
If the Nationals interest is legitimate, they could be a big threat to the Marlins. Washington is viewed as perhaps the favorite to win the World Series and Rodriguez would probably have a better chance to become the closer since Drew Storen is certainly no lock to keep his job in that role.
Boras also just did some lucrative business with the Nationals when his client, Max Scherzer, signed a seven-year, $210 million deal with them earlier in the offseason. We'll be keeping an eye on what happens this week.
