Last night, after the Mets win over the A’s, closer Francisco Rodriguez picked up his 20th save of the season while passing the half-way mark of 55 games finished that triggers the $17.5 million dollar option on his contract.
After the game, K-Rod told Kristie Ackert of the Daily News that he would consider accepting a trade to a contending team and mentioned the Yankees.
“If I am going to be traded, obviously I want the opportunity to close out games, but if it’s going to be good teams like the Yankees or the Rays, and it’s going to be for two months, I can go out there and help them out,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez understands that the Mets may approach him about waiving his no-trade clause that allows him to block deals to ten teams. He seems willing to set-up as long as it’s with a contender.
The Yankees could certainly use a setup man and GM Brian Cashman said this week that he has no problem dealing with the Mets.
Despite his domestic problem last season which resulted in a season ending thumb injury, Rodriguez has performed well and has lived up to contract thus far. He’s still an elite closer, and while I don’t think any closer is worth $17.5MM, his loss will have a huge negative impact on the Mets bullpen anyway you cut it.
