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.

Sep 12, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (57) reacts to the last out in the ninth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Detroit won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Pros

Some Kind of Return

First of all, Detroit would get some kind of return for their closer instead of declining his contract option. In this scenario, the Tigers wouldn’t get anything for a pitcher that brought a sense calm to the bullpen for the first time in a long time.

In terms of a return, it isn’t clear what Detroit would receive for Rodriguez.

Should he be traded, the 34-year-old wouldn’t bring in the same return as someone like J.D. Martinez, Ian Kinsler or Cameron Maybin.

What’s more, Rodriguez will likely continue to close games regardless of employer. That somewhat limits the market of available teams.

What’s more, the free agent market could feature a number of elite closers, including Wade Davis, Kenley Jansen, Mark Melancon and Aroldis Chapman.

There are also pitchers like Koji Uehara, Brad Ziegler, Greg Holland, Sergio Romo, Drew Storen and Fernando Rodney who have previous closing experience.

Still, Detroit should be able to get something of value for a veteran closer like Francisco Rodriguez.

Money Saved

Assuming the Tigers receive either prospects or a Major League piece or pieces under team control, Detroit will be able to shed payroll. Rodriguez’ salary could be $6 million next season, and removing that from the salary picture will certainly help long-term.

If Rodriguez, Maybin and J.D. Martinez are dealt, the Tigers will be able to shed nearly $27 million from the payroll. If the team can somehow move the contracts of Mike Pelfrey, Mark Lowe and Anibal Sanchez, that number goes up even more.

Sep 9, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (57) watches as a ball hit by Baltimore Orioles catcher Matt Wieters (not pictured) pops up for the final out in the ninth inning at Comerica Park. Detroit won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Con

Who Replaces Rodriguez?

While the Detroit Tigers bullpen improved last season, there isn’t an obvious candidate to take on Rodriguez’ closing role next year.

Justin Wilson and Shane Greene both flashed closer ability at times, but the duo struggled a fare bit as well.

Meanwhile, it may be too early to insert Bruce Rondon or Joe Jimenez into the closer’s role. Both have the upside and the ability to pitch there, but it may be more prudent to wait a season or two.

With the Tigers unlikely to make any moves that add payroll, the best route for finding a closer for next season may be through a trade of one of their current Major League pieces.

Should Detroit trade one of their more movable pieces, like say J.D. Martinez, they could receive a potentially substation return. That substantial return could include a pitcher capable of stepping in as closer.

Thankfully, with Rondon and Jimenez serving as in-house options for the future, Detroit doesn’t necessarily need a long-term solution.

The Tigers have gone through seasons without a closer before, and didn’t end well. If Rodriguez is moved, the team will need some kind of plan to move forward with.

Next: Best Case Scenario He Stays, but if Tigers Trade Ian Kinsler, Here are 3 Intriguing Options

There’s always the route of trying to unearth a diamond in the rough. However, Detroit shouldn’t depend on that if the team has aspirations of staying competitive next year.

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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.

Pros

Some Kind of Return

Money Saved

Con

Who Replaces Rodriguez?

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