Cubs acquire Fernando Rodney

Fernando Rodney has a new home with the Chicago Cubs, according to Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago.  The 38-year-old closer was recently designated for assignment by Seattle. In return, the Mariners are receiving either cash or a player-to-be-named later.

For Rodney, it has been a rough 2015 season. In 54 games, he has a 5.68 ERA with 16 saves in 50.2 innings. Just last season he saved 48 games with a 2.85 ERA with the Mariners. Rodney was in the final year of his two-year, $14 million contract.

When he signed that contract with the Mariners, he was coming off of two stellar seasons with the Tampa Bays Rays. One of those was in 2012 when he saved 48 games and had a 0.60 ERA. It just so happens that his manager in Tampa will now be his manager in Chicago, which could help Rodney turn things around. Perhaps more importantly for the former closer, is that he'll get to work with Chris Bosio, who's had great success in reviving several pitchers careers.

Command had been the issue for Rodney this season, but being with a familiar face could be all that he needs to relax and become a viable option for Chicago late in games. They signed Rafael Soriano earlier in the year to shore up their bullpen, but that experiment is on hold, as Soriano is on the 15-day disabled list with right-shoulder inflammation.

The Cubs have Hector Rondon, Pedro Strop Justin Grimm and James Russell currently holding down the fort in the pen. Lefty Zac Rosscup was optioned to Triple-A and Brian Schlitter was designated for assignment.

Bringing in Rodney gives them another toy to try to test out in the bullpen before a likely playoff run. It's a low-risk, high-reward type move. And with the position the Cubs are in, it can be a huge get if Rodney turns things around.