Back in 2004, the Cleveland Indians signed Hector Rondon as an international free agent at 16-years-old. Rondon did not make his rookie ball debut until 2006 and pitched three years in the minors before reaching triple-A in 2009 at 21-years-old.
Unfortunately, Rondon’s path to the bigs would be halted by injuries, undergoing Tommy-John surgery in 2010 and then fracturing his elbow the following year.
In 2012, the Chicago Cubs selected Rondon from the Cleveland Indians in the 2012 MLB Rule 5 Draft. Rondon would go on to crack the Cubs opening day roster and make his debut on April 3rd, 2013. In his first season in the big leagues, Rondon pitched 54.2 innings with a 4.77 ERA, 4.40 FIP, and only 7.2 K/9.
The following year, Rondon would take over the ninth inning role from Jose Veras early in the season. The right-hander thrived in this role recording 29 saves, with a 2.42 ERA, 2.26 FIP, and 1.058 with 63 strikeouts in 63.2 innings. The following season, Rondon arguably had the best year of his career in 2015 racking up 30 saves and pitching to a career high 70 innings with a 1.67 ERA (career best) and 2.68 FIP.
Rondon also helped the Cubs reach the NLDS earning two saves, including the series clincher over the St. Louis Cardinals in game 4.
The following year, the Cubs acquired closer Aroldis Chapman at the July 2016 trade deadline, which bumped Rondon to a setup role. Although Rondon had a down year statistically pitching to an ERA of 3.53 and FIP of 3.50, he helped the Cubs capture their first World Series title in 108 years throwing six innings while allowing three runs.
Rondon’s struggles continued in 2017 posting a 4.24 ERA, 4.12 FIP, and 1.221 WHIP, however he did strikeout a career high 10.8 K/9.
After back-to-back disappointing seasons, the Cubs decided to non-tender Rondon. On December 15th, 2017, the Houston Astros picked him up on a two-year deal. His first season with the Astros in 2018 was a promising one as he recorded 15 saves to go along with a 3.20 ERA, 2.79 FIP, and 10.2 K/9 while helping the Astros reach the ALCS for the second straight year.
Unfortunately, Rondon didn’t fare as well last year in his age-31-season. In 60.2 innings, the reliever pitched to a 3.71 ERA and posted a career worst 4.96 FIP and 7.1 K/9.
Contract
Rondon turns 32 in February and relies on his 96 mph four-seam fastball, 96 mph sinker, 85 mph slider, and a 90 mph change up, which he doesn’t use as much as the latter three. Rondon should get a major league deal somewhere and I’d expect him to sign a one-year contract worth around $2.5 million with incentives.
Recommendation
Rondon has been inconsistent over the past several years but does have great stuff, closing experience, and could be a useful depth piece for a team looking to solidify the reinforcements in their bullpen such as the Mets. Rondon would also make sense for the bullpen needy Phillies, whose pitching staff was depleted by injuries a season ago.
