MLB Trade Rumors: Francisco Rodriguez Blocked On Waivers

MLB trade rumors about Francisco Rodriguez may soon be silenced. There had been many trade rumors about the closer for the Milwaukee Brewers, with several teams in the playoff race getting linked to the former All-Star pitcher. A report from CBS Sports states that Rodriguez was placed on waivers by the Brewers, and that another franchise put a claim in on him. At that point, the Brewers took him back off waivers.

The Brewers appear to have been trying to slip Rodriguez through waivers, making him then eligible to be traded to any other team in baseball. A team claimed him, suggesting that a lower contender blocked another franchise from trying to acquire him. The Brewers can now work out a deal with the team that claimed him, but there hasn’t been any movement in that regard. It nearly confirms that he will finish out the season with the Brewers. That’s a bad sign for the New York Mets, as that was one team that could have really used him in the bullpen.

Francisco Rodriguez is having a great season for the Milwaukee Brewers, which is one of the primary reasons he has been mentioned in so many MLB trade rumors. He has appeared in 46 games, pitching 44 2/3 innings, while posting a 2.01 ERA, 0.806 WHIP, and 30 saves. It’s important to point out that he didn’t have a single blown save either, proving him to be one of the best closers in baseball again. That could have made him very helpful for a contending team to acquire.

With a really team-friendly contract, it is further surprising that he wasn’t dealt before the non-waiver deadline. Rodriguez is under contract for just $3.5 million this season, $5.5 million in 2016, and then $6.5 million in 2017. The 2017 season is a team option that has a $4 million buyout coming with it. At just 33-years-old, it’s also very clear that Rodriguez could have a lot of baseball left in front of him. That could mean he becomes a hot commodity in the MLB offseason as well.

It seems obvious that Francisco Rodriguez could appear on the trade market during the offseason, with contending teams lining up to offer the Milwaukee Brewers something for him. There are a number of contending teams that could use a new closer for 2016, so there are bound to be a lot of MLB trade rumors involving him very soon. With the Brewers heading into more rebuilding efforts, there is also little reason for the team to hold on to him.

[Image Source: Mike McGinnis/Getty Images]