BREAKING: Fernando Rodney to Close for the Seattle Mariners

Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Twitter is blowing up with reports that Tampa closer Fernando Rodney has agreed to a deal with the Seattle Mariners.

First reported by Jonah Keri, Rodney is reportedly on a 2 year, $14MM contract, worth up to $15MM with incentives. 

It seems that we can stop speculating about the Mariners’ closer for the next few seasons at least. The Mariners have yet to confirm anything, but that’s to be expected. Rodney will undoubtedly need to pass a physical to make everything official in the next few days.

In the mean time we’re going to have to get used to sideways hats. Both Felix Hernandez and Fernando Rodney are going to be sporting the Seattle-Slant.

Rodney has spent the last two seasons in Tampa Bay, where he amassed 85 saves. In 2012 he was selected as an AL All-Star when he posted an ERA of 0.60 and 0.777 WHIP. Rodney cemented a position as one of the premier closers in baseball.

This likely means that Danny Farquhar will be moved into a setup position, which would work quite well with his pitching style. And a corresponding roster move will be needed to make space for Rodney.

Stay tuned to SoDo Mojo for analysis of the Fernando Rodney acquisition, and the impact it will have on the Mariners bullpen.