The Padres have traded closer Fernando Rodney to the Miami Marlins Thursday for minor league starting pitcher Chris Paddack.
The 39-year-old Rodney was a perfect 17-for-17 in save opportunities and boasted an eye-popping 0.31 ERA (1 ER in 28.2 innings pitched).
He also compiled 33 strikeouts against only 12 walks, holding opponents to a .137 (13-for-95) opponents average.
I want to thank the @padres my teammates & fans for supporting me in SanDiego. I felt at home & had a lot of fun. #LaFlechaOut ๐น @MvvmWear
— Fernando Rodney (@F_Rodney56) June 30, 2016
The Padres clearly decided that Rodney's trade value would never be higher and cashed in one of their big trade chips.
The hope now is that Paddack can continue to progress and eventually be a member of the Padres starting rotation in a couple years.
Paddack has been fantastic at low single-A, compiling a 0.95 ERA in just over 28 innings.
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The right-hander was an 8th round pick in 2015 out of high school and posted a 2.18 ERA.
Miami Marlins ---> San Diego Padres
— Chris Paddack (@PaddackChris) June 30, 2016
Truly blessed to get this opportunity and can't wait to see what God has planned for me next. #JKG
The Texas native is only 20 years old and listed as 6 feet, 4 inches, according to MiLB.com.
Rodney is expected to be either the Marlins new closer, or slide in as the setup man behind their current closer, A.J. Ramos who is also 24-for-24 in save opportunities.
After an inconsistent season last year with the Mariners and Cubs, Rodney has been outperforming his 1.6 million dollar contract and was one of A.J. Prellerโs best off-season finds.
Rodney also has a 2017 team option for two million dollars which likely made him even more attractive to the Marlins front office.
Earlier this week in the clubhouse, Padres players and even Andy Green were trumpeting Rodneyโs consistent performance and confidently stating they hoped the closer would earn an All-Star invite here in San Diego.
Wil Myers now appears to be the likely candidate to represent the Padres when Petco Park hosts the Midsummer Classic on Tuesday, July 14th.
Every MLB team gets at least one All-Star regardless of record so that every team and fan base can be represented.