MLB NEWS

Diamondbacks sign RHP Rodney to one-year deal

The Sports Xchange

December 09, 2016 at 6:29 pm.

Aug 19, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;  Miami Marlins relief pitcher Fernando Rodney (56) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at PNC Park. Miami won 6-5. Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 19, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Miami Marlins relief pitcher Fernando Rodney (56) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at PNC Park. Miami won 6-5. Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Rodney agreed to a one-year, $2.75 million contract earlier this week with the club but it wasn’t announced until he passed his physical.

Rodney, who turns 40 in March, can earn another $1.25 million in performance bonuses. He will be given the opportunity to be the team’s closer after saving 25 games in 28 opportunities last season while splitting time with the San Diego Padres and Miami Marlins.

“With Fernando, we’re getting an established major league closer and a veteran presence in the bullpen,” general manager Mike Hazen said in a statement. “It is helpful to have someone with his experience on the back end to slow the game down and get the final three outs.”

Rodney was 17-for-17 in save opportunities with a 0.31 ERA with the Padres and made the National League All-Star team before being traded to the Marlins.

The veteran of 14 big-league seasons has 261 career saves and a 3.69 ERA. He is a three-time All-Star and led the American League in saves in 2014 when he recorded 48 for the Seattle Mariners.