Tigers trade for veteran closer Francisco Rodriguez

ByABC News
November 18, 2015, 12:26 PM

— -- The Detroit Tigers have acquired right-hander Francisco Rodriguez from the Milwaukee Brewers in their latest attempt to stabilize the back end of their bullpen.

Rodriguez tallied 38 saves in 40 chances and had a 2.21 ERA and 62 strikeouts in 57 innings last season for the Brewers. Overall, K-Rod has 386 career saves over 13 major-league seasons with four teams.

"K-Rod is a perennial All-Star closer, has pitched on a World Series championship team, and is someone who will provide experience at the back end of our bullpen," Tigers general manager Al Avila said in a statement. "We had strong recommendations from our scouts on Frankie, and he has the proven track record we targeted in our search for a bona fide closer."

Rodriguez, who turns 34 in January, is due $5.5 million in 2016 with a $6 million option for 2017 that includes a $4 million buyout. He has been durable for far longer than most relievers and remains effective because he remade himself as a changeup guy even as his fastball has dipped to average.

The Brewers will receive minor-league infielder Javier Betancourt and player to be named. The Tigers also will receive a player to be named in addition to Rodriguez.

Despite having won two AL Central titles over the past three seasons, the Tigers' bullpen has ranked 27th in the majors with a 4.17 ERA during that span. Detroit finished last in the AL Central in 2015 after four consecutive division titles.

The Tigers this month declined their $10 million option on Joe Nathan. He spent two years with Detroit, struggling in 2014 and missing almost all of 2015 with an elbow injury.

The 20-year-old Betancourt hit .263 with 17 doubles and 48 RBIs with Class A Lakeland in 2015.

ESPN MLB Insider Keith Law and The Associated Press contributed to this report.