Right handed pitcher Francisco Rodriguez has agreed to waive his $17.5 million vesting option in exchange for additional compensation according to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports. He will be a free agent at the end of the season.

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports adds that Rodriguez’s buyout increased from $3.5 million to $4 million. That was the inducement, the Mets will pay the original amount and the Brewers the additional amount.

The Brewers can now use him as a closer without fear of option vesting.  Rodriguez was acquired by the Brewers hours after the All Star game in exchange for a reported $5 million and a player to be named later. In 42 appearances for the Mets, K-Rod is 2-2 with 23 saves and a 3.16 ERA.

Image by Keith Allison under the Creative Commons License.