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.

The 2025 Hall of Fame Ballot is out! Who's getting the call in January? ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/mpBVArOt22

— MLB (@MLB) November 18, 2024

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.

Related: Minnesota Twins Prospects That Still Need to be Added to the 40-Man Roster This Week

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.

May 20, 2018.

Fernando Rodney against Brewers.

1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K#MNTwins win 3-1.

FACT: Rodney is on the Hall of Fame ballot for the first time this voting cycle. 25 of his 327 saves came in a Twins uniform. pic.twitter.com/8fAhPZyzR0

— Twins Gems (@TwinsGems) November 18, 2024

Related: Minnesota Twins 2024 Waiver Claim Can’t Find a Job in USA Anymore

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.

Related: Minnesota Twins Insist They Aren’t Interested in Trading Star Players

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.

Despite my soft spot for Fernando Rodney, if the near future sees him drop another save or two, it’ll be time for the 41 year-old to be given a different bullpen role.

While this piece is based on a Twins’ pitcher named “Fernando,” whose last initial is also “R,” it surprisingly doesn’t surround the veteran reliever. Meaning, Mr. Rodney’s leash as Minnesota’s closer (albeit assumedly short) still exists.

As a result, the sure to be fisticuffs between my brain and heart won’t be occurring today. Phew, that was close.

via GIPHY

Thankfully, this particular table is reserved for a different “Fernando.”

Struggling #MNTwins make bold move, promote top prospect Fernando Romero to starting rotation https://t.co/ECynQTUiel pic.twitter.com/g5zK3CHjTc

— Star Tribune Sports (@StribSports) April 30, 2018

In case you missed the reports, Fernando Romero is slated to make his MLB debut on Wednesday.

The 6’0″ 215 lbs right-hander will be taking over the bullpen-bound Phil Hughes’ spot in the rotation. As implied by this March 4th, 2018 headline from the Pioneer Press, the 23 year-old has an aggressive amount of potential:

When it comes to Minnesota’s up-and-coming talent, outside of SS Royce Lewis, Romero takes a back seat to no one.

The Dominican Republic native, has sat out almost all of the last two years (injury and eventual Tommy John). The anticipation surrounding the young flame thrower actually took off in 2016. His sub 2.00 ERA over sixteen Single-A starts (5 Cedar Rapids, 11 Fort Myers) during that season “shocked observers.”

It’s probably fair to say he shocked some hitters, as well:

Fernando Romero still humming it in there at 97-98 MPH here in the 5th. #Kernels

— Jeff Johnson (@jeje66) June 9, 2016

Since then, despite ending last year on the DL, he hasn’t skipped a beat. The power throwing pitcher finished his 125-inning 2017 campaign with a 3.53 ERA, 120 strikeouts, and 45 walks (Double-A Chattanooga).

As for this year, Romero has “fared well in his first taste of Triple-A, posting a 2.57 ERA with 20 strikeouts and 10 walks in 21 innings.

Here’s the @BaseballPro scouting report on Twins top pitching prospect Fernando Romero, who’s joining the rotation Wednesday in place of Phil Hughes. https://t.co/pieLJtcYJg pic.twitter.com/KgfoUAFLtB

— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) April 30, 2018

Please do not share that information with the Toronto Blue Jays or any of their affiliates. Thank you.

You can share this tidbit with them, though: Fernando Romero “has the mound swagger that all the great ones seem to possess.”

To close, let’s hope this shake-up is exactly what the doctor (and fans) ordered. Either way, having Hughes in the rotation was putting way too much stress on the already stressed out relievers.

However it all plays out, Ervin Santana should be back before we know it. On top of that, Lance Lynn should be almost finished with his version of Spring Training:

Lance Lynn 8.46 ERA
Alex Cobb 13.11 ERA
Greg Holland 7.36 ERA

It’s almost like facing pro lineups for a month before the season is pretty important…

— Phil Mackey (@PhilMackey) May 1, 2018

Johnny Minnesota (@TheJohnnyMN)
MinnesotaSportsFan.com

Free-agent reliever Addison Reed in agreement with #MNTwins on two-year deal for slightly under $17M, sources tell The Athletic. Pending a physical.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 13, 2018

For those of you experiencing tunnel vision on NFL Football this weekend, like me, the most recent Twins’ signing may have gone unnoticed.

However, somewhat surprisingly, there are no over-the-hill athletes or minor league scraps involved in this one. The acquisition of bullpen pitcher, Addison Reed, is ACTUALLY newsworthy. The 29 year-old right-hander agreed to a 2 year deal with Minnesota on Saturday (pending physical).

Good shit, Pohlad’s. I’ve been waiting for something like this:

Don’t worry. I have a different one lined up for when/if the BIG splash occurs.

Barring trade, Addison Reed will be with the Twins through at least the 2019 season. Reed spent last season as part of both the Mets & Red Sox organizations. Over his two-team 2017 campaign, the 6’4″ 230 pound pitcher had a 2.84 ERA over 77 appearances (76 innings). Sexy! For comparison purposes, Taylor Rodgers, who actually topped the MLB in holds (bigger deal than saves), lead the Twins by throwing in 69 contests. During 8 less outings, Rodgers compiled a slightly higher ERA of 3.09.

Despite being in the bullpen the entire time last year, Addison Reed wore multiple hats. He finished the 7th year of his career with 15 holds AND 19 saves. Now, that’s versatility. The pitcher with a lifetime WHIP of 1.160 has amassed 425 strikeouts over 402.2 career innings pitched.

His role with the Twins’ remains to be seen. Recently signed, Fernando Rodney indicated that a large part of him choosing Minnesota was the commitment to him as our closer. However, the 40 year-old’s pitches are currently getting pissed on in the Dominican Winter League. We’re talking 15.00 ERA type of stuff.

I love all that is the electric 3x time All-Star. But after seeing those numbers, the thought of a Molly-Rodney 9th-inning handoff makes me feel uneasy. Father Time is undefeated and that’s not a fluke. He’ll be getting your ass soon, Tom Brady…

Besides cash, what’s Rodney’s motive for pitching in this Winter league? It better be greenbacks. If it’s for Patriotic purposes I get and appreciate that, but damn. He’s almost 41 years-old. Let the younger fellas do that year-round stuff.

Below was “Google’s Top Stories” when I searched “Fernando Rodney” on Sunday evening. Look at the timing of those articles. Coincidence or nah?

Anywho, how’s the Twins bullpen as a whole entering 2018? Reed, Rodney, and recently signed Zach Duke now join Rogers, Alan Busenitz, Tyler Duffey, Trevor Hildenberger, and Ryan Pressly. Let’s hope this group can significantly outperform last season’s 12th-best AL relief roster.

Now, it’s time to find their starting rotation. Offense wasn’t a problem coming into the offseason, although a power-hitting DH is definitely on the wishlist. But, before Falvine worries too much about another two hands to swing sticks a few times per game, he needs to worry about getting 1 or 2 more arms to throw leather-covered, red-stitched balls for 6-9 innings efficiently.

The Twins currently have 2 starting pitchers that most fans would say the are comfortable with. Ervin Santana and Jose Berrios are great but they are also pitching 1 spot higher than they should be, in a good rotation. Santana is a REALLY good 2-pitcher and can hold down the 1-spot, if needed. But, both he and Berrios would be better-served moving down a spot, and so would the Twins.

I know one pitcher who would do the trick. I’ll keep calling… maybe they’ll listen eventually.

Who will enter the regular season in what role is a puzzle that remains to be completed. Maybe not for Fernando Rodney, but for us fans, it should actually be enjoyable. So, find that top starting pitcher or two under the couch, or in the other puzzle box because puzzles are a hell of a lot better when you have the actual pieces.

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com

Justin Morneau is set to become the latest ex-Twin to rejoin the organization in their post-playing career. Like O.J. did with his legal defense team, Minnesota is adding a plethora of off-the-field assistance.

Morneau returning is almost as much of a feel good story for Minnesotans as Millie getting Vikings’ tickets:

Vikings gift 99-year-old fan with tickets to Sunday’s game https://t.co/iXyXLPxCdK pic.twitter.com/Lm4Xo7eJTn

— Pioneer Press (@PioneerPress) January 9, 2018

#SKOL

The way I see it, hiring the 2006 AL MVP is more of a PR move than anything. There is nothing that suggests he will add much, if any, REAL value in his role as a special assistant. I know Morneau played 14 years in the big leagues, but so have a hell of a lot of other guys.

Regardless, my frustration doesn’t lie with bringing back our beloved Canadian. It lies with the lack of actual roster moves we’ve made this offseason. Outside of the bullpen, the Twins have made ZERO additions towards their 2018 MLB team. At least this latest free agent rumor has more potential than the Nick Buss signing.

Twins Have Shown Interest In Chris Tillman https://t.co/PziePA11X5 pic.twitter.com/6ebWlyjS9R

— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) January 8, 2018

Along with Minnesota, Detroit and Baltimore (the franchise he’s pitched for his entire career), are also interested in acquiring Chris Tillman’s services.

The free agent is a 29 year-old, right-handed starting pitcher with a career 4.43 ERA over 1,118.1 innings pitched. In addition to his to low 90’s fastball, he bolsters a slider/cutter, curveball, and change-up. Due to shoulder issues, the 2013 All Star didn’t begin pitching last year until mid-May. Just like the Twins in the 2017 playoffs, this guy is a wildcard.

His stats from last season are bad enough to cause sea-sick-esque nausea.

• 1-7 Win/Loss Record
• 7.84 ERA
• 1.892 WHIP

The California Native’s drop in velocity resulted in some of the worst pitching numbers throughout the entire majors. In fairness to Tillman, there’s a good chance his health was less than 100%.

Per reports, he is looking for a one year “prove it” type of deal, in hopes of acquiring more of a demand in the 2019 free agent market.

As for my opinion, I’m against signing Tillman. Like they teach you in junior high health class, about using drugs and alcohol, I’m just saying no.

Outside of Mike Zimmer, no one has a crystal ball that shows them the future. Whether or not Tillman has the ability to be anything close to his former All-Star self remains to be seen. Either way, the shoulder issues, parlayed with those 2017 statistics are obvious red flags.

If you scratch last season and peel back the onion to 2016, it shows he had an impressive 16-6 record. However, rip that sucker back another layer and you’ll see that he closed that season with a lackluster two wins over his final six decisions. In the event he does sign with Minnesota, I hope I’m eating crow while watching him perform well above his cost.

Yes, Yu Darvish carries a more expensive price tag than Tillman. With that being said, if you have champagne taste and champagne money, you buy f*cking champagne. Unfortunately, sometimes, the Pohlad’s taste buds resemble that of a Wisconsinite.

Damnit. What a waste. I either need their pockets, or they need my palate.

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com

It’s been reported that the Minnesota Twins are pursuing free agent DH/1B, Mike Napoli.

The 36 year-old is coming off an interesting one-year stint with the Rangers. Napoli finished last season with 29 home runs in only 124 games. However, his batting average (.193) closed below the Mendoza Line.

Statistics (last two years):

Unlike the chaotic pursuit of Shohei Ohtani, signing Napoli appears to only be a two-horse race. The over pampered New York Mets represent the pony standing a lane over. The Yankees are pure evil, but at least they win. Not only do the Mets suck, but their mascot can’t even keep his composure:

Minnesota recently signed Michael Pineada and Fernando Rodney to big league deals. Will Mike Napoli be the next domino to fall? If not, could it be a much more attractive (and expensive) piece; such as Yu Darvish?

Mike Napoli Information & Yu Darvish Update:

Mike Napoli
In 2016; Napoli and Derek Falvey were part of the Cleveland organization. When 2016 ended, “Falvey” left the State of Ohio for greener pastures, while Napoli headed south. But, before Mike punched his plane ticket, he had to take a phone call from a known voice in a new (and better) state. The call didn’t go as well as Falvey had hoped.

The right-handed hitter agreed to a one year, $8.5M deal with Texas. His reasoning for taking less money was a desire to play for a playoff team……… Joke’s on him, I guess.

It feels good to say that MN now falls into that “contender” category. Even though last season was at a discount, Mike Napoli is now a year-older and coming off that terrible batting average. It’ll be interesting to see how much he can command this time around.

Where would Napoli fit in? Last year, Chris Giminez played a large role as a leader in the Minnesota locker room. However, 2017’s backup catcher isn’t under contract for next year. Catcher, Mitch Garver is the Twin’s organization reigning Minor League Player of the Year. With Garver primed to join the majors in 2018, Giminez’s return is in great flux. Napoli could replace him as that clubhouse presence and provide some much-needed dingers from the DH/1B slot at the same time.

COUNTRY STRONG! HELL YES! LET’S GO!

If you can’t already tell, I’m biased as can be, on this one. I’ve always had a soft spot for Napoli. The man looks like he just came off the set of a Chevy truck commercial.

My only complaint against the bearded slugger is that he wears batting gloves. If I had a hand tattoo like this, I’d let that baby breathe. Imagine being a pitcher, looking at this:

Yu Darvish Update
The most recent developments on the hunt to sign Yu Darvish are in regards to the length of his future contract. The 31 year-old is looking to get himself as long of a deal as possible. Naturally. With the RHP set to go over 1,000 career innings this upcoming season, he and his agent don’t know where his game will be in two years.

Per the StarTribune, it would take a club record type of deal to land Darvish. Thus far, there have been no confirmed reports of him receiving an offer from the Twins or any of their competitors. The rumors floating around on Thursday, that Yu signed with the Cubs, weren’t true. That news was more fake than the whole “Balloon Boy Hoax.”

Happy Holidays Everyone! I hope you all enjoy your families and respective traditions. Speaking of traditions, cue the music:

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com

.@Twins sign Fernando Rodney to a one-year deal, reports @JesseSanchezMLB. Club has not confirmed. https://t.co/OoEFFg8hUJ pic.twitter.com/UKPytw8SKE

— MLB (@MLB) December 14, 2017

The rich get richer. The middle class gets a little wealthier. Bolstering the bullpen is one of Falvey and Levine’s top off-season priorities. There were rumors that our closer for part of 2016, Brandon Kintzler, would make his return to Twins Territory. Those rumors were put to bed when Kintzler agreed to terms with the Nationals on Wednesday.

Contract:
The 40 year-old Rodney will make $4.5 million next season. If he hits incentives, that number will max out at $6 million. Minnesota has a team-option to renew that agreement for the 2019 season. For comparison purposes, Kintzler’s two-year deal with the Nationals is for 2 years/$10 million (+ incentives).

I’m told #mntwins never made a formal offer to Brandon Kintzler, per person with direct knowledge. #Nationals guaranteed him $10 million over 2 years, per @BNightengale, plus club option.

— Mike Berardino (@MikeBerardino) December 14, 2017

Who is Fernando Rodney:
The 3x All Star has been in the majors since 2002. After spending his first eight years in Detroit, Rodney has bounced around to eight different teams (including MN). He spent all of the 2017 campaign pitching for the Diamondbacks. Over his 61 appearances with Arizona (55.1 innings pitched), he compiled an ERA of 4.23 and chalked-up 65 strikeouts.

Joe Nathan blowing his mouth like a horse on the mound was great entertainment. Although Rodney isn’t near the twitcher that Nathan was, he’ll still be fun to watch. If he can perform to his expectations, the fans will adore him. Between the sideways hat, gold chain, and shooting an imaginary arrow to celebrate, what’s not to love?

What will Rodney’s role be in MN?
The man with exactly 300 career saves registered 39 of them last season. I’m not Paul Molitor, but you’d anticipate he starts the season in the closer role. A few days ago, Thad Levine suggested that the Twins closer of the future was already on their roster. TwinkieTown.com believes that our GM was referring to Trevor Hildenberger.

However, Hildenberger only has 1 career save. A whole 299 less than Rodney. This game plan seems to make sense:

Twins GM Thad Levine said he believes the Twins have a future closer on their roster. But it sounds like they’d be more comfortable with a veteran closer to at least open the year.

— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) December 11, 2017

As Antonio Browns says, “I like that.” It’s not like we traded for Giancarlo Stanton or something, but it’s highly encouraging to see Minnesota is at-least active this offseason.

Who’s next?

Unlike the Kinztler scenario, the Yu Darvish rumors are still very much alive. Let’s go Chris Gimenez! ALWAYS BE CLOSING:

Chris Gimenez has been in contact with Yu Darvish, filling him in on “all Minnesota has to offer.” #mntwins GM Thad Levine was already a major selling point for ex-#Rangers star: “There’s a lot of trust,” Gimenez said. https://t.co/Z0qiIC1QeC

— Mike Berardino (@MikeBerardino) December 12, 2017

As is tradition when we talk Darvish, CUE THE MUSIC:

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com