Veteran Closer Roberto Rodriguez Joins Mariners, His Third Team This Season, Aiming for Playoff Push

In a move signaling their intent for a deep postseason run, the Seattle Mariners have reportedly signed veteran closer Roberto Rodriguez, who previously donned the uniform for the Boston Red Sox. This marks the third team for Rodriguez this season, a testament to his resilient career and the persistent belief in his high-leverage abilities despite recent challenges.

Rodriguez, a familiar face in American League bullpens for over a decade, found himself in a whirlwind 2025 season.

After starting the year with the Kansas City Royals, a team in a rebuilding phase, he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in July, where his tenure was unfortunately brief and didn't quite click as hoped. Now, the seasoned right-hander lands in Seattle, a formidable AL West contender looking to fortify its bullpen ahead of the stretch drive.

For Red Sox fans, the news evokes a mix of nostalgia and curiosity.

Rodriguez was a pivotal figure during his time in Boston, celebrated for his fiery mound presence and lights-out closing performances that often electrified Fenway Park. His departure left a void, and his journey since has been one of bouncing between teams, seeking to recapture the consistency that once made him one of baseball's most feared relievers.

The Mariners' acquisition of Rodriguez comes at a crucial juncture.

They boast one of the stronger rotations in the league and a potent lineup, but adding a proven, albeit recently inconsistent, veteran arm could provide an invaluable boost to their bullpen depth. Manager Scott Servais will likely integrate Rodriguez into a setup role initially, allowing him to settle in and find his rhythm without the immediate pressure of the ninth inning.

Rodriguez's track record includes multiple All-Star selections and a World Series ring, experience that is gold in the high-stakes environment of a pennant race.

While his velocity might not be what it once was, his command, pitch-mix, and mental fortitude are attributes that seasoned pitching coaches believe can still translate into success. The hope in Seattle is that a change of scenery, a winning environment, and a defined role can help Rodriguez tap back into the form that made him a premier closer.

His previous stints this season saw flashes of his old self, mixed with some struggles against command and control, leading to an ERA that doesn't fully reflect his potential.

However, the Mariners are banking on his veteran savvy and the belief that the right adjustments can unlock a dominant late-inning reliever. For Rodriguez, this is a golden opportunity—a chance to contribute to a contender, prove his enduring value, and perhaps write a triumphant new chapter in his storied career.