Francisco Rodriguez signs 1-year contract to return to the Milwaukee Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers have reportedly agreed to terms on a one-year contract with Francisco Rodriguez, who previously pitched with the organization for parts of the last three seasons.

Pay per head services saw that Adam McCalvy of MLB.com shared the contract details:

A baseball source said the sides were close Friday to sealing a one-year, Major League contract that would return the veteran reliever to Milwaukee, where he has pitched parts of the past three seasons. Rodriguez would earn a $3.25 million base salary, with $550,000 more available in incentives.

Rodriguez split last season between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Baltimore Orioles, posting a 2.70 ERA with 54 strikeouts in 46.2 innings.

In 134 appearances for the Brewers, Rodriguez has compiled a 3.15 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. K-Rod mostly served in a setup role during his time with the Brewers, registering just 13 saves. He racked up 291 saves during his time with the Los Angeles Angels and the New York Mets.

Rodriguez will likely return to a setup role for the Brewers once again with Jim Henderson as the closer, at least to open the season. It’s always nice to have a pitcher with his closing experience available as insurance, though.

Francisco Rodriguez is a four-time All-Star and he led the American League in saves three times with the Angels. The 32-year-old might dropped off from that peak in recent seasons, but he provides good value for the one-year deal.

It’s a good deal for both sides. The Brewers will get the veteran bullpen arm they needed with Spring Training on the horizon and Rodriguez will get another chance to prove himself on a short-term deal.