Francisco Rodriguez rumors: Ex-Brewers closer could join White Sox

Having already signed Zach Duke this offseason to a multi-year deal, the Chicago White Sox may be looking to poach another reliever from the Brewers' 2014 bullpen. According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the White Sox are pursuing Rodriguez, in addition to other possible options for their bullpen.

There haven't been a ton of rumors about Rodriguez this off-season, and the Brewers don't appear to be in heavy pursuit of him. Though Milwaukee would assuredly not mind adding an arm such as his to their relief corps, it's possible he may be out of their price range.

The 32-year-old Rodriguez, who is tenth all time with 348 career saves, picked up 44 in 2014 while posting a 3.04 ERA, a 0.99 WHIP and striking out 9.7 batters per nine innings. Those numbers would definitely aid a Chicago bullpen that finished 2014 with a 4.38 ERA, the third-worst mark in the Majors.

It's possible Rodriguez still manages to find his way back to the Brewers just like last offseason. The Brewers traded him to the Orioles in mid-2013 for third base prospect Nick Delmonico, but Rodriguez re-signed with Milwaukee in the off season on a one year deal as the market failed to show much interest in him. Rodriguez will assuredly be more desirable this year coming off a great 2014, but he seems to really enjoy Milwaukee and has played for the Brewers at least part of each of the last four seasons.

The Brewers are known to be looking for bullpen help with Duke gone and the probable loss of Rodriguez and Tom Gorzelanny, but they appear more focused on left-handers for now. With Tyler Thornburg and Jim Henderson uncertain coming off injuries, Milwaukee's relievers are somewhat questionable. For now, Jonathan Broxton appears the likely closer with Will Smith, Jeremy Jeffress, and Brandon Kintzler all slotting in behind him along with Henderson and Thornburg. Those guys have the chance to be very good, but the Brewers could use another solid arm.

It's anyone's guess what Rodriguez is looking at in a potential deal. Duke earned a three-year deal worth $15 million from the White Sox.