Report: Mets in talks with free-agent closer Fernando Rodney

Fernando Rodney has 172 saves in 11 major league seasons. (Brad White/Getty Images)

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson has been involved in discussions with representatives of closer Fernando Rodney, a source told ESPNNewYork.com's Adam Rubin.

The talks are reportedly about strengthening the Mets' closer role, according to Rubin, which last year was manned by Bobby Parnell.

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"That should not suggest there has been any setback with Bobby Parnell. But the interest in back-end relievers demonstrates there is at least some uncertainty as Parnell returns from surgery to repair a herniated disk in his neck — an injury that prompted him to miss the final two months of last season," Rubin reports.

The Mets also had the same offer out to Grant Balfour — two-year, $12 million — he ultimately accepted from the Rays, a source told Rubin.

Rodney, who'll be 37 at the start of the season, was 5-4 with a 3.38 ERA and 37 saves in 45 opportunities last year with Tampa Bay. A 2012 All-Star, Rodney has a 3.70 career ERA in 11 seasons with the Tigers, Angels and Rays. His 48 saves in 2012 were a Rays franchise record.

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