Report: Brewers agree to terms with closer Francisco Rodriguez on 2-year deal

by Dan Toman
Benny Sieu / USA TODAY Sports

The Milwaukee Brewers are reportedly bringing back All-Star closer Francisco Rodriguez.

Rodriguez and the team have agreed to terms on a two-year contract with a club option for 2017, according to multiple reports.

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports the deal is worth $13 million.

Rodriguez had reportedly generated interest from several teams this winter, including the Miami Marlins, after finishing a league-high 66 games for the Brewers in 2014. He was said to be seeking a two-year deal worth around $20 million.

The 33-year-old reliever parlayed an impressive first half into the fifth All-Star appearance of his career last season, recording 27 of his 44 saves prior to the break with a sparkling 0.90 WHIP.

Despite a decline in fastball velocity, Rodriguez is still missing bats thanks to a greater emphasis on his sinker. The 13-year veteran posted a 9.7 K/9 rate last season, striking out 73 batters in 68 innings.

Rodriguez, who holds the single-season record with 62 saves, has a 3.11 ERA and 1.11 WHIP during his four seasons in Milwaukee. 

The Brewers were heavily rumored this offseason to be in pursuit of Philadelphia Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon, who's owed a potential $26 million over the next two seasons.

Jonathan Broxton, who was penciled in to serve as manager Ron Roenicke's closer, is now expected to pitch out of the eighth inning.

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