Tigers Exercise 2017 Club Option On Francisco Rodriguez
DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced that the club has exercised its 2017 option on righthanded pitcher Francisco Rodriguez. Additionally, the Tigers today have acquired righthanded pitcher Victor Alcantara from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in exchange for outfielder Cameron Maybin.
"We liked the job K-Rod did last season and the numbers show he was a reliable closer for us," said Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Al Avila. "He stabilizes the back end of our bullpen and provides veteran leadership to our younger bullpen arms.
"We will weigh our options as far as center field is concerned for next season," Avila said. "There will be a wide open competition starting in the spring and we'll see how it plays out."
Rodriguez, 34, appeared in 61 games with the Tigers in 2016 and had a 3-4 record with 44 saves, a 3.24 ERA (58.1IP/21ER) and 52 strikeouts. Rodriguez ranked second in the American League with 44 saves, while he was seventh with an 89.8 save percentage. Rodriguez's 44 saves were the second most in a season in franchise history, trailing only Jose Valverde, who had 49 saves in 2011. Rodriguez posted 40-or-more saves in a season for the sixth time in his career, which is the third most 40-save seasons in MLB history, trailing only Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman, who each had nine 40-save seasons.
In 15 seasons at the major league level, Rodriguez has compiled a 50-48 record with 430 saves, a 2.73 ERA (950.2IP/288ER) and 1119 strikeouts in 920 appearances. Rodriguez's 430 career saves are the fourth most in major league history, while his 920 outings are the 22nd most among pitchers in MLB history.
Alcantara, 23, appeared in 29 games, including 20 starts, with Double A Arkansas in 2016 and posted a 3-7 record with a 4.30 ERA (111.0IP/53ER) and 79 strikeouts. In five minor league seasons, Alcantara has a 24-34 record with one save, a 4.60 ERA (503.1IP/257ER) and 446 strikeouts. Alcantara was selected to play in the MLB Futures Game in 2014.
Maybin, 29, hit .315 (110x349) with 65 runs scored, 14 doubles, five triples, four home runs and 43 RBI in 94 games with the Tigers in 2016.