Texas Rangers Should Take A Chance On Francisco Rodriguez

If the past few off-seasons have taught us anything it’s that elite level relief pitching comes at a high price. Could the Texas Rangers take a chance a veteran Francisco Rodriguez and possibly get the steal of the off-season?

The Texas Rangers front office doesn’t want to pay top dollar for relief pitching. They have put together a somewhat trustworthy bullpen, but it lacks experience. Could signing veteran Francisco Rodriguez add what the Rangers pen is missing?

The 36-year-old Rodriguez believes he’s back after an awful 2017 campaign. Rodriguez went 2-5 with a 7.82 ERA in 28 games and seven saves with the Detroit Tigers last season. The six-time All-Star has a track record to back him up.

During his 16 year career, Rodriguez is 52-53 with a 2.86 ERA in 948 games and 437 saves. He won a World Series with the Angels in 2002. Rodriguez had a 62 save season in 2008, but no organization seems interested in the possible Hall of Famer.

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The Rangers have plenty of hard throwing pitchers in their pen, but no one with a resume like Rodriguez. Having his presence alone is worth offering him a Spring Training invitation. He struggled last season, but has only posted two negative WAR seasons in his career.

During his career Rodriguez has finished top 5 in the Cy Young award voting three times. He’s not going to demand a large deal at 36 years old. Most likely a one-year deal worth $2-3 million, which is a steal if he bounces back.

The Rangers organization loves to help guys turn their careers around. This is another opportunity to do that, and it can really only benefit Texas. Let’s see if Rodriguez has anything left in the tank.