Mets sign K-Rod to three-year, $37 million deal

Dec 10, 2008 - 11:05 PM LAS VEGAS (Ticker) -- The New York Mets have brought in baseball's single-season saves leader to rescue their beleaguered bullpen.

The Mets officially signed free agent closer Francisco Rodriguez to a three-year contract on Wednesday.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but multiple media outlets reported it is for $37 million and includes a vesting, fourth-year option for $14 million.

"One of our primary goals this offseason was to secure a top of the line closer to anchor our bullpen and by acquiring Frankie Rodriguez we feel confident that we have one of the best closers in the majors," Mets general manager Omar Minaya said.

Rodriguez, who has spent his entire seven-year career with the Angels, now is headed to the Mets, who desperately needed to upgrade their bullpen following their second straight late-September collapse.

New York entered the month of September in first place in the National League East for the second consecutive year, but again lost the division to the Philadelphia Phillies en route to missing the postseason.

Much of the blame was directed toward an injury-plagued and inconsistent bullpen, which tied a franchise record with 29 blown saves, including 16 after the All-Star break.

Who better than the newly crowned single-season saves leader to help save the Mets?

The top reliever on the open market, Rodriguez set the major league single-season record with 62 saves last season, easily eclipsing the previous mark of 57 set by Bobby Thigpen in 1990.

Rodriguez, who is set to turn 27 next month, has more saves (194) than any other reliever in the majors since 2005. His save total during that stretch is the most by any pitcher over a four-year span since the save rule was instituted in 1969.

"Frankie's stats speak for themselves," Mets manager Jerry Manuel said. "What I like most about him is his emotion, his love for the game, which is evident in the way he pitches, and the fact that he wanted to come and play for the Mets."

"I'm thrilled to join the Mets," said Rodriguez, who will wear uniform No. 75 since Johan Santana wears No. 57. "Mets fans are very passionate and playing in a new ballpark is going to be great. I'm going to do everything I can to help bring a championship to Citi Field."

Rodriguez will fill the void left by Billy Wagner, the Mets' closer for the last three years, who will likely miss the entire 2009 season after undergoing "Tommy John" surgery.

Rodriguez went 2-3 with a 2.24 ERA in 76 games this past year. A three-time All-Star, Rodriguez owns a 23-17 career record with 208 saves and a 2.35 ERA in 408 games.