Report: Mets Give Francisco Rodriguez 4 Years, $51 Million

We knew this morning that Francisco Rodriguez was close to accepting a three-year, $37 million contract with the Mets, but FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Mets might be sweetening the pot, adding a club option for a fourth year that will automatically vest so long as he meets a minimum innings requirement in years two and three. All told, the fourth year pushes the total value up to $51 million.

Omar Minaya has yet to confirm the news, but a formal announcement by the team is expected tonight -- when that happens, our man in Vegas should be at the press conference. Rodriguez will still need to pass a physical in New York for the deal to become official, but given his health that should be a mere formality.

Assuming the fourth year vests, Rodriguez will average $12.75 million a season, putting him just ahead of Brad Lidge as the highest-paid reliever in the game not named Mariano Rivera. K-Rod originally wanted five years and $75 million, but four years and $51 million isn't a bad consolation, especially given all of the factors (the economy, a saturated closer market) working against him.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

12-09-2008 @ 5:09PM

Sid said...

FINALLY - A REAL CLOSER that doesnt have just one flat fastball

12-09-2008 @ 5:59PM

TheHulk said...

The Mets will still find away to loose...

12-09-2008 @ 9:16PM

Robert said...

Hey Hulk...I'm a life long Met fan but couldn't help but snicker at your comment...I wish for the best but had to laugh..

12-09-2008 @ 6:23PM

Bill said...

Yes!
Lets Go Mets!

12-09-2008 @ 6:27PM

Skippy said...

I dunno about this, he's a one inning closer. Just like, what's his name...oh, yeah, Billy Wagner.

12-09-2008 @ 6:32PM

joe cardillo said...

Trade heiman and get a outfielder and a good settup man and a starter and win #3 GO METS.

12-09-2008 @ 6:50PM

winbig47 said...

trade oliver perez and that bum heilman and get a real catcher

12-09-2008 @ 7:28PM

Mr.Dugout said...

Once again, premature pennant fever in the Big Apple. All the free agents in the world ain't gonna help the Mets. They'll blow it come Sept. That's life in N.Y. Accept it.

12-09-2008 @ 7:36PM

bgbeej said...

wow, thought he was overpaid til i read mariano rivera makes more - nevermind, hes a bargain.

12-09-2008 @ 9:27PM

Lakergregg said...

I won't say too many bad things about him, but as an Angels fan I'm not upset to see him go.
Yes, he had 62 saves, but many of them were nail biters.
For a closer he doesn't produce a whole lot of 1-2-3 innings.
He has a tendancy to overthrow and if I were a National League team I'd bunt on him all day, because he always ends up way to the left of the mound on his follow through.
The Mets desperation for a closer might have blinded them to the fact that when he gets rattled he gets shaky.

12-09-2008 @ 9:26PM

Jimbo said...

Four years is too many,but at least The METS do have a Big Time Closer.
I just hope they fill in some of the other holes> otherwise this signing is a HUGE waste of money !!!!!!
I have beena METS fan since 1962 .

12-09-2008 @ 9:18PM

Bro said...

Wow, are you kidding me people?
He MIGHT be the 10th best closer in baseball. Just look at his horrific stats. I'm glad the Mets got him/ Then I had to laugh about the disrespect for Mariano. Clearly someone with no clue

12-09-2008 @ 10:03PM

mailman said...

Remember this, he was big time because the Angel offense and defense. I've seen more heart attacks caused by this guy than pizza and ice cream. This guy owes me about three T.V. sets due to me kicking them in every time he took the mound. I'm glad he's gone. By the way, look at was he's done in the playoffs. The only reason Boston didn't try to sign him is because they hope to face him in the post season. He shoul be on Tatto magizine he's been drilled that much. HaHaHa! Let's go Mets! Thanks you Arte Moreno for not suckering in.

12-09-2008 @ 10:02PM

Gregg T. said...

K-Rod will help. The Mets STILL can't advance a runner with less than two out,can't get a runner home from third with less than two out,can't get the two out hit to score,play good defense,steal a base when it means something,be smart baserunners,and have the heart of the Phillies. I don't care what the stats say. It's all smoke and mirrors. Basic,sound baseball is not taught to the minor leaguers in the farm system. Look at the Angels. They are everything the Mets are not...

12-10-2008 @ 2:50PM

mark said...

I didnt think i would meet this big of an idiot. The Phillies lost the percentage of the game against the mets. the phils have no heart at all, the only thing they have is an idiot shortstop who dosent know when to shut up. In all truth the phillies would have been beat if they faced any other team in the world series, it was a fluke the rays choked, Get over yourselves.

12-10-2008 @ 8:58AM

WHITEY said...

i hope this wil help the September Mets
I am a Pods fan,they need big time help

12-12-2008 @ 9:45AM

LEW said...

YOUFILLED AN ENORMOUS HOLE K. ROD AND JJ PUTZ.NOW DONT BE CHEAP. GET RID OF CASTILLO. HES A LIABILITY. WHY SURROUND SANTANA AND YOUR 2 CLOSERS, WITH A BROKEN DOWN PLAYER, GET A SECOND BASEMAN. IF YOU HAVE TO EAT PART OF HIS SALARY DO IT. IF THE METS WANT TO WIN GET A YOUNG 2ND. BASEMAN. OR TRY MURPHY THERE. GO GET A BANGER IN LEFT. COMPLETE THE PICTURE. DONT TRY TO GET CHEAP CHEAP. FINISH THE COMPLETE DO OVER. GET RISD OF SANCHEZ AND SCHOENWEISS, THEY BOTH SUCK...