Fernando Rodney’s club option just got more expensive

Fernando Rodney’s 2017 club option just got more expensive.

On its surface, the option was expected to be worth about $2 million, but the value has increased $1.5 million as a result of appearances and games he finished and could be worth a maximum of $5 million, according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald.

When the Marlins were seeking late inning relief help in advance of the non-waiver trade deadline, the club was likely fond of Rodney not only because of his early success, but also because he could be under team control through next season. With A.J. Ramos on the disabled list, Rodney had more opportunities to close games.

Rodney hasn’t had much success since joining the Marlins, pitching to a 4.44 ERA and 4.83 FIP over 24.1 innings. He’s saved seven contests, though, and pitched well with Ramos sidelined.

The addition of Rodney deepened Miami’s bullpen and gave Manager Don Mattingly another arm to turn to late in games. With Ramos healthy, Mattingly might continue to use Rodney in the ninth, since he has performed well as Miami’s closer.

Although Rodney could be an expensive relief option next season, it’s unlikely the Marlins don’t exercise his option as a result of his contract. Miami parted with pitching prospect Chris Paddack, one of its better young pitching prospects, in the trade with the Padres. The Marlins likely wouldn’t have moved a successful Single-A starter for half a season Rodney.

Miami’s bullpen, which has pitched to a 3.64 ERA this season, is more effective with Rodney pitching in the eighth or ninth innings. As a result, he will likely remain with the club entering 2017.