Despite now being 46 years old and not having pitched in the big leagues since 2019, longtime MLB reliever Fernando Rodney is convinced he still has a few years of major league success left.
In a recent article from The Athletic, Rodney — who has spent 17 seasons in the MLB, pitching in relief for 11 different teams — believes that his return to the MLB should be imminent.
"I'm trying to get to 50," Rodney said in the article. "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."
In addition to Rodney — who will soon be turning 47 years old — still having sufficient fastball velocity to succeed as a reliever, there are a couple statistical accomplishments that Rodney is hoping to achieve.
Rodney Still Chasing Milestones at 46
Photo credit should read Ricardo Flores / Eyepix Group/Future Publishing via Getty Images
One of which is his desire to become the all-time saves leader among Dominican-born players. As it currently stands, Rodney's 327 career saves are just two shy of tying Francisco Cordero's existing saves record.
Rodney also has 951 career MLB appearances, and he would love to the become the 17th pitcher in MLB history to appear in 1,000 games.
If Rodney is indeed still pumping fastballs in the mid-90s and can continue to throw his nasty changeup for a strike, it isn't too far-fetched to believe an MLB team would at least invite him to their spring training camp — if only because Rodney being a three-time MLB All Star, a 2019 World Series Champion with the Washington Nationals, and having gone 48-71 with a 3.80 ERA across his esteemed career shows that he has no problem performing in the biggest moments.
He most recently pitched for the Gigantes of the Dominican Winter League, where he had a 4.24 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 17 innings.
For what it's worth, the oldest pitcher (and player) to ever throw in a MLB game is Satchel Paige, who pitched three scoreless innings at the ripe age of 59.
Rodney has also played for the Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels, Tampa Bay Rays, Seattle Mariners, Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, Miami Marlins, Arizona Diamondbacks, Minnesota Twins, Oakland A's, and the aforementioned Nationals, so fanbases all across the country know just how entertaining Rodney can be.
Perhaps best known for his iconic tilted hat and bow and arrow save celebration, Rodney brought a swag into the ninth inning which few MLB relievers can replicate. He also seemed to be beloved within every clubhouse he entered because of the infectious energy he carried.
For those reasons alone, we really hope to see some MLB team sign Rodney for the 2024 season. The major leagues could use more exciting personalities. Age is just a number, after all.
