Tigers acquire All-Star closer Rodriguez from Brewers

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila has landed his closer.

Eager to address the back end of the bullpen, the Tigers acquired right-hander Francisco Rodriguez from the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday for infield prospect Javier Betancourt and a player to be named later.

Rodriguez immediately improves one of the majors' worst bullpens. The 33-year-old posted a 2.21 ERA and 62 strikeouts across 57 innings last season, while converting 38 saves. The 33-year-old is coming off back-to-back All-Star campaigns, in which he collected 82 saves - the fourth most in the majors since 2014.

"We're excited to have Francisco," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said. "He has experience in both leagues and has been an All-Star."

The Tigers opened negotiations with former closer Joakim Soria earlier this week, though Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reported the sides weren't on the same page. It was also reported Avila inquired on several more high-profile closers available via trade, but weren't comfortable with the asking prices for the likes of Aroldis Chapman and Andrew Miller.

Owed $5.5 million next season, with a $6-million team option for 2017 that holds a $4-million buyout, the Tigers are expected to absorb all of the remaining $9.5-million remaining on Rodriguez's deal.

The rebuild continues in Milwaukee, as Rodriguez becomes the seventh major-leaguer they've traded for prospects in the last 11 months, joining Aramis Ramirez, Gerardo Parra, Mike Fiers, Yovani Gallardo, Neal Cotts, and Carlos Gomez.

"We've stated our attention to acquire as much young, controllable talent as we can," Brewers GM David Stearns told reporters.

Betancourt spent last season with Class-A Lakeland, hitting .263/.304/.336 with three home runs, 17 doubles, and 44 strikeouts in 144 games. The 20-year-old played primarily at second base, but is capable of playing shortstop and third.