Former San Diego Padres relief pitcher Fernando Rodney is attempting to make a comeback to Major League Baseball at age 46. Rodney hasn’t pitched in the big leagues since 2019, when he played for the eventual World Series champion Washington Nationals.
Rodney played 17 years in the league and was one of baseball's more productive relievers during that period. Rodney finished with 327 career saves, three All-Star appearances and one World Series ring.
Rodney spent the 2016 season with the Padres, appearing in 28 games for the team. He posted an ERA of 0.31 over 28.2 innings of work.
The long-time reliever is eligible for next year's Hall of Fame ballot, but he doesn’t believe his story is finished. Even at an age when most players have moved on to the next phase of their career, Rodney believes he can still make a difference.
“I’m trying to get to 50,” Rodney said flatly, before bellowing out a laugh. Even he knows how ridiculous it sounds. “That’s my guess right now. I still touch 95, 94, 93, 92 when I want. I think there can be three more years.”
Part of his mindset: Rodney might be able to earn a few more saves to pad his resume. He's currently two saves shy of Francisco Cordero and passing him would mean the world to Rodney. Cordero is the saves leader among Dominican-born MLB players.
“I don’t know what they think, but they closed the door for a lot of good players,” Rodney said. “I feel like I can pitch in the big leagues because I throw strikes and get outs. My fastball and my changeup has been good.”
Rodney has pitched 933 career innings, holding an ERA of 3.80 over his long career. While it's unlikely he will be given another shot in the big leagues, you have to admire his drive to keep the dream alive.
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