Detroit Tigers Pros and Cons: Trading Francisco Rodriguez

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Sep 4, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (57) delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the ninth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila is setting out to make the team younger and more cost-efficient this offseason. That means veterans like Francisco Rodriguez could be moved.

Detroit Tigers closer Francisco Rodriguez enjoyed a fine debut season with the Tigers.

Brought in from the Milwaukee Brewers via trade to solidify the back end of the bullpen, Rodriguez did just that. Over 58.1 innings pitched, the closer notched 44 saves while posting a 3.24 ERA.

The longtime Angel also posted solid numbers across the board in other run-prevention categories with a 3.84 xFIP, a 3.83 FIP and a 3.66 SIERA.

In addition to keeping runs off the board, Rodriguez put up a 12.1% swinging strike percentage and a 30% O-Swing percentage.

With general manager Al Avila looking to make Detroit a younger squad that is more fiscally efficient, Rodriguez may move to another organization.

Whether that happens remains to be seen. Per Spotrac, Rodriguez has a $6 million dollar option on his contract for next season.

Similar to what they could do with Cameron Maybin, Detroit could very well pick up the option on their closer and then flip him for younger, more affordable pieces.

Here are the pros and cons of trading Francisco Rodriguez.

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