Former Angels Reliever Looking to Make MLB Comeback at 46 Years Old
Former Angels reliever and longtime MLB veteran Fernando Rodney is reportedly looking to make an MLB comeback, according to Sam Blum of The Athletic.
Rodney, 46, last got an MLB opportunity in 2020 when he signed a minor league deal with the Houston Astros. Since then, he's played with multiple teams in the Mexican League and the Dominican Winter League, and is likely going to spend another season in Mexico unless an MLB team comes calling.
Rodney has no plans of finishing his professional career any time soon, though.
“I’m trying to get to 50,” Rodney said to Blum. “That’s my guess right now. I still touch 95, 94, 93, 92 when I want. I think there can be three more years. I want to reach there, then see how I feel.”
Rodney began his MLB career back in 2002 with the Detroit Tigers. He was with the Tigers until the end of the 2009 season, when he signed a free agent contract with the Los Angeles Angels.
Rodney spent the 2010 and 2011 seasons with the Halos, sporting a combined 4.32 ERA in 111 appearances.
After leaving the Angels, Rodney played with the Tampa Bay Rays, Seattle Mariners, Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, Miami Marlins, Arizona Diamondbacks, Minnesota Twins, Oakland Athletics and Washington Nationals. The 2019 World Series winning Nationals was his last MLB experience.
Across his 17-year career, Rodney has a 3.80 ERA and 327 saves in 951 appearances.
Last year, across the Mexican League and Dominican Winter League, Rodney had a 5.62 ERA in 42 appearances.
Rodney has not received an opportunity with an MLB team since 2020, his agent told Blum. However, he still hasn't given up on an MLB return.
