MILWAUKEE (AP) – Francisco Rodriguez will be jogging out of the bullpen again for the Milwaukee Brewers.
The closer and the Brewers agreed Thursday to a $13 million, two-year contract, according to a person familiar with the agreement. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced.
The 33-year-old Rodriguez revived his career last season after going 44 of 49 in save opportunities.
He has signed with the Brewers for a fourth straight year, though this time he has a multi-year deal. The move solidifies a bullpen in which presumed closer Jonathan Broxton figures to move back into a setup role to make room for Rodriguez, who has 348 career saves.
The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel first reported terms of the deal.
Rodriguez gave up 14 homers last season. He went 5-5 with a 3.04 ERA, with 73 strikeouts in 68 innings.
The Brewers welcomed the veteran closer back to the clubhouse.
“His personality fits really well on the team,” outfielder Ryan Braun said. “He’s been really successful and anybody that has that type of success is a lot of fun to be around.”
Left-hander Will Smith and right-hander Jeremy Jeffress also figure to provide power arms out of the bullpen to help set up Rodriguez.
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AP Sports Writer Ronald Blum in New York and AP freelance writer Andrew Wagner in Phoenix contributed to this report.