Former Minnesota Twins Closer Makes BBWAA Hall of Fame Ballot

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Fernando Rodney, Minnesota Twins
Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

Last summer the Minnesota Twins turned their attention towards the Baseball Hall of Fame as legendary catcher Joe Mauer was a first ballot inductee. They don’t have a representative of that ilk on the ballot this time around, but a former closer makes his debut on the Baseball Writers Association of America’s ballot.

Fernando Rodney brings Minnesota Twins ties to first ballot

After a 17-year career, Fernando Rodney hung up his cleats following the 2019 Major League Baseball season. In his first year of eligibility, the reliever gets his crack at making the National Baseball Hall of Fame. 13 other candidates join Rodney making their first appearance on the ballot.

Minnesota signed Rodney to a one-year deal worth $4.5 million in December 2017. He tallied a 3.09 ERA across 43 2/3 innings for the Twins, but was placed on waivers as the team failed to contend in August. Oakland claimed the veteran fireballer and traded prospect Dakota Chalmers for his services. Rodney finished his career with 327 saves, which is good enough for 19th all-time.

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It’s unlikely that Rodney will see much of a voting presence from the BBWAA contingent. Relievers are beyond undervalued in Cooperstown. Still, Rodney’s case is well below the likes of former Twins closer Joe Nathan. Nathan received just 4.3% of the vote in 2022 and fell off the ballot. Billy Wagner enters his tenth and final year of eligibility on the ballot. After generating 73.8% of the vote last year, he should see induction during this cycle.

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Rodney became well-known with Minnesota for his on-field presence. He shot arrows following successful outings, and wore his hat tilted to the side in honor of his father. Torii Hunter is the only other player with ties to Minnesota on the current ballot. This is his fifth year of eligibility and he earned 7.3% of the vote last season.

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Former Yankees and Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki will be a near-unanimous selection. His global presence and ties to New York could make the summer ceremony amongst the largest in history.

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