Francisco Rodriguez Now a Free Agent

The Milwaukee Brewers declined their mutual option on Francisco Rodriguez and the closer is now a free agent. The Brewers had a chance to lock him up for next season — but the $17.5 million price tag was apparently too high. Instead, the Brewers gave him a $4 million buyout.

Though a closer throughout his career, the Brewers used him as a setup man after trading for him in the middle of the season. Despite voicing his displeasure with the role, Rodriguez was dominant. In 31 games, he had a 1.86 ERA to go along with four wins and 17 holds.

During the offseason, Rodriguez should get a sizable deal on the free agent market. That said, there are a number of quality closers — including Jonathan Papelbon of the Boston Red Sox and Heath Bell of the San Diego Padres — so he’ll have trouble matching that $17.5 million number.

The 29-year-old is most famous for setting the MLB record for saves in a season when he racked up 62 saves with the Los Angeles Angels in 2008.

Francisco Rodriguez is a free agent (Image: TSN.ca)