Milwaukee Brewers Should Trade Francisco Rodriguez This Winter

In his five season’s with the Milwaukee Brewers, Francisco Rodriguez has been one of the most successful Brewers’ relievers that the franchise has seen. Leaving and coming back on many occasions, Rodriguez has been a shutdown set-up man, lock down closer and solid middle reliever. But even with great numbers throughout these seasons and two consecutive all-star seasons, it is time for the Brewers to part ways with one of the best closers of all time.

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Recently Buster Olney tweeted that Rodriguez is on the market and if they get a decent offer, the Brewers need to pull the trigger.

Coming off of a season where he only blew two saves and had a 0.80 WHIP, Rodriguez could certainly be in demand. Though he pitched on a team that wasn’t really in contention all year long, he was able to be named as the Brewers pitcher of the year by the organization.

Currently, according to baseball-reference, K-Rod is signed to a 5.5 million dollar contract in 2016 with a club option for 2017 as well. While these numbers are quite affordable considering the market for middle relievers and closers, they would be just fine without K-Rod next season.

Though K-Rod helped the bullpen to become a strength, there are plenty of candidates that could take over in his place to work the ninth inning. From last season, pitchers like Jeremy Jeffress and Corey Knebel could be candidates to take over in his place and other arms like Ariel Pena and Yhonathan Barrios could have the stuff to become future ninth inning candidates in Milwaukee.

Not only would his departure give future closers chances to pitch in high pressure situations, but it would also help to have another young arm make the roster out of camp. With arms like Tyler Thornburg out of options, every bullpen spot will become precious. If they have any chance to make a move and get younger in the process, a trade needs to be made.

Next: Brewers' Re-Sign Chapman to Minor League Deal

With the team not expected to contend again in 2016, there is no reason to have an arm like Rodriguez’s closing things out. The future is here in Milwaukee and though K-Rod has been one of the most dependable arms as of late it is time to finally move on from him this winter.