The Rockies have officially agreed to a contract with free-agent closer Wade Davis, as Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports first reprted. Davis, a client of Jet Sports Management, receives a three-year, $52MM contract that includes a vesting player option for a fourth season which could take the deal’s value to $66MM over four years. That contract’s $17.33MM annual value is a record among relievers, Passan notes.
The fourth-year option, worth $15MM, will vest as a player option for the 2021 season if Davis finishes 30 games in 2020. If it does not vest, it’ll instead be a mutual option with a $1MM buyout, per Passan. Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports (via Twitter) that Davis will earn $16MM in 2018, $18MM in 2019 and $17MM in 2020. FanRag’s Jon Heyman tweets that Davis’s deal includes a $1MM assignment bonus if he is traded, adding that he’ll also pick up full no-trade rights after being traded once.
The addition of Davis seems likely to end the Rockies’ pursuit of a reunion with 2017 closer Greg Holland, who declined a $15MM player option and rejected a $17.4MM qualifying offer following the season. Davis, too, rejected a qualifying offer, meaning he’ll cost the Rockies a pick in the 2018 draft.
As a team that benefited from revenue sharing and did not exceed the luxury tax in 2017, the Rockies will forfeit their third-highest selection in next year’s draft. For the Rockies, who have a selection in Competitive Balance Round A, their third-highest pick will be their second-round selection in 2018. The Cubs, meanwhile, will secure a compensatory pick after Competitive Balance Round B. (While Davis’ contract is north of $50MM, the Cubs are a revenue sharing payor, thus disqualifying them for compensation after the first round of the draft.)
[Related: Updated Colorado Rockies depth chart and Rockies payroll outlook]
Colorado has clearly identified the bullpen as an area of focus this offseason, as they’ve now dished out more than $100MM worth of guarantees in the form of Davis’ $52MM and the respective three-year, $27MM deals given to lefty Jake McGee and right-hander Bryan Shaw. That continues the aggressive bullpen spending the team began last winter when signing Mike Dunn and Holland in free agency.
Davis, of course, will capably step into the void left by Holland’s departure and could very well serve as an upgrade. In 58 2/3 innings with the Cubs last year, Davis pitched to a 2.30 ERA with 12.1 K/9, 4.3 BB/9 and a 40.5 percent ground-ball rate while collecting 32 saves. Those excellent run-prevention numbers continued an impressive run of dominance for Davis, who owns a 1.45 ERA in 241 1/3 innings since converting to a reliever on a full-time basis in 2014.
The 2017 season wasn’t without red flags, though. Davis’ 40.5 percent grounder rate marked a significant drop-off from the 48.5 percent clip he posted in 2016, and his 94.3 mph average fastball velocity was his lowest since moving to the bullpen. That velocity drop is all the more troubling when juxtaposed with a 2016 season in which Davis landed on the disabled list with a forearm strain.
There’s risk in any long-term deal for a reliever, though, and the Rockies’ aggressive spending in this market has demonstrated less aversion to those perils than most clubs throughout the league. For a Colorado team that features a very young and largely inexperienced rotation, the stockpiling of quality relief arms will help manager Bud Black to lessen the workload of his young arms by leaning more heavily on a group of experienced late-inning options.
Of course, it’s worth bearing in mind that the three additions won’t necessarily enhance the Rockies’ 2018 unit beyond the one it possessed in the season prior. By the end of the season, the relief corps included Holland, McGee, and midseason trade acquisition Pat Neshek. At a minimum, though, the organization can likely now anticipate that it’ll enter the coming season with a relief group that’s as good or better than its productive ’17 outfit.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Woah. Big get for the Rockies.
Big overpay–yikes.
I doubt that. It’s only 2.3 million more than they paid Holland this season. They added a couple million AAV to get 3 guaranteed years instead of 4. The vesting option is the same price that Holland turned down this season, so Davis is almost guaranteed to decline it should it vest. Looking back, don’t you think the Giants would have signed Melancon at 3/51 instead of 4/60? Now when 2020 rolls around, if the Rox are ready for a rebuild Davis could easily be flipped for a team wanting him for 1 year instead of 2.
Davis is getting paid roughly $100k per out he records. Roughly $72k per batter he faces. Approximately $15-20k per pitch he throws.
That’s insanity.
Meh. It’s what the market will bear. I doubt the Rockies owner is going to lose sleep tonight wondering how he’s going to pay his mortgage or anything like that.
Nice breakdown!!! At that rate sign me up for 100 pitches. I can do that without my arm falling off.
You might doubt it. But the majority does not.
They just resigned Greg Holland though…
No they didn’t
Hahaha
They did not
Wrong, Holland is still a FA.
What he meant was that they just added a player with the same role and similar value than one they lost… I think. Personally I believe Wade Davis is better and safer.
Not everyone can pitch in Denver.
Holland has proved that he can, but Davis has not
Holland sucked so bad in the second half that they removed him from the closers role for a little while
Congratulations, Feldma. I’ve never seen someone get 0 up arrows and 24 down arrows (as of 3 p.m. CST) on one MLBTR post before.
Even the troll that’s sister makes $8k a week from home and so does their brother doesn’t even get that many down arrows
Pretty much. But I think Holland is holding out for a minimum of 4 years
If he is, he’s especially not getting it now.
And not going back to the Cubs is pretty sweet too
Nice! Let’s end the year with some movement!
A little unexpected. Though the Rockies did need bullpen help. They got it
Nice. Somebody signed someone. Hopefully this is the start of a trend.
ikr?
That Rockies bullpen is starting to really look nasty. If their rotation performs this year, watch out.
Losing Neshek and Holland for Shaw and Davis is a small upgrade. Its a similar pen to last season.
Shaw for a full year > Neshek for a month and a half.
wow! Rox trying to compete. I wonder if this is the signing that causes the avalanche of other signings.
I see what you did there.
3 and 52.
Sacri bleu.
Rocktober is looking strong babay!!!!
wow!!! highest aav for a reliever, an assignment bonus and full no trade if traded once. that’s a haul for him.
No doubt! This is turning into the year of the reliever. Great player, but for another 20% of the AAV they could have gotten a top of the rotation starter. Crazy money for a closer.
Really? What Starter is looking to slign in Colorado? Colorado is a team pitchers try to avoid. Extra $ are needed to coax them to sign. The school system is not as good as it once was as an enticement.
The Rockies are paying Davis roughly $100k for every out that he records. Every single top free agent pitcher is still unsigned. You don’t think that just one of them would be interested in looking at the Rockies for $22M a year? You think a $100k an out is smart money? Ok…
The two top starters on the market are reportedy looking for about 45% more than that AAV for at least two more years. And that’s before you determine whether they’re interested in pitching in Colorado.
Sure they are looking for that, but doubt they will both get that. Maybe one, but this market seems off for both to land it. Hosmer is looking for a boatload. Same with JDM. Doubt either will get it. $100k an out is insane
You asserted that for 20% more AAV they could get a top of the rotation starter. There’s simply no evidence to support that idea.
3/52. Highest aav ever for a reliever.
Full no trade clause. Wowzers
He gets a full NTC only if he gets traded from the Rockies.
Thanks for all you did for the Cubs in 2017 Wade, but this screams “bad deal” IMO
They had to over pay to get him to pitch in Colorado. Is it a over pay? Yes but if he fails to pitch in Colorado its going to be a big bust for them.
As long as his stuff doesn’t flatten out at coors it’s a good signing. Their rotation still isn’t good enough imo
they should sign cobb and trade for fulmer. They have a solid system. Trade ryan mcmahon. There infield is great so where he gonna play
They need a 1b
You won’t think that way after watching McMahon for a month. they do not need a 1B.
Hence why I said they need a 1b? The dude is suggesting trading McMahon. Read.
Well Desmond is probably moving back to the outfield to replace Cargo so first base is currently open, plus Arenado and LeMahieu are free agents in the next two seasons so there’s three infield spots for Ryan McMahon and Brendan Rogers to play.
Now bring CarGo back…
Their starting pitching is still a big weakness
Almost 18 million a year though, yikes !! You think the Rockies could have gotten a better deal considering how nobody else seemed to be bidding for him. I wonder what Rivera would have gotten in today’s market if he was still playing? Lol
He probably could’ve gotten
[Dr. Evil pose]
ONE MILLION DOLLARS!
How would you know that no one was bidding on him? Are you a superhero??
If offers were made I’m sure they would have been outed
Probably about the same, but Rivera wouldn’t have to go play a mile above sea level to get it. Rockies probably had to pay $4-$5MM more over the life of the contract to get Davis to sign.
They probably gave him more annually so they didn’t have to give 4 or 5 years. That’s what every team should do imo when it comes to free agency
Bingo. People keep talking about the AAV, which is high, but they also got him for only 3 years(with a vesting 4th). Also, his NTC kicks in AFTER he is dealt, so the Rockies can deal him to any team without his permission, only the acquiring team can’t deal him afterwards without his permission. I personally think this is a very solid deal for a reliever as good as Davis.
You don’t think another team was bidding on Davis? That’s absurd! Sure they were! Multiple teams were.
Wow! The Rockies have committed $106 million to 3 relievers this offseason. They must have tremendous trust in their young starters to get the job done over the next 3 years.
Who’s next?
Unfortunately that’s 106 million not going to an Arenado extension.
An Arenado extension without fixing the bullpen issues just means seeing a lot of cool defensive plays on a 65 win team.
I believe they don’t have as much trust in their starters
That’s why they are building a stronger bullpen!
I think that was his point, its not particularly normal to put that much money into relievers when you trust your starters.
Kimbrel must be licking his chops right now.
20M AAV? Certainly not out of question, especially if he repeats his outstanding 2017.
And the fact that he’ll be younger than davis when hitting FA
Ay some excitement. Finally!
Bosox will let him walk. No way they can afford Kimbrel with Betts and others start getting expensive.
When you got two powerhouse closers in the same division. Face palm activated.
Jensen, Hand, Melancon, and Wade. If you’re talking about the NL West, only the Dbacks don’t have a ‘powerhouse closer’.
Is AZ waiting to see if they can unload Greinke’s contract before signing a closer? My guess is if they can’t find a taker, they’ll sign another bounce back candidate like Huston Street.
And Rodney wasn’t THAT bad last year.
Who knows, maybe Hirano/Bradley will be a bit spooky.
There is no way Davis delivers value on that contract but it does help explain why teams like the Brewers have been slow to pull the trigger on bullpen help.
The Brewers are cheap, which would also explain it.
Brewers have one of the premier closers in the game in Knebel who’s better than Davis and if they keep Hader in the pen, one of the top LH relievers also. Why overpay? They are saving their funds for that one big starter signing..
I despise the Brewers, but you’re correct on Knebel. They won’t sign anyone was my point, because they’re cheap, not that they needed a closer.
i do love the Chacin signing for them though.
I wouldn’t call a guy with one decent year a premier anything.
I would, he’s a top 5 closer IMO.
Kenley Jansen, Aroldis Chapman, Wade Davis, Greg Holland, Craig Kimbrel, Ken Giles, Kelvin Herrera (bad year, but good track record). Knebel had a great year, but I wouldn’t put him ahead of any of those 5. Nor would I put him ahead of fellow breakout relievers Alex Colome and Raisel Iglesias. I have no problem calling him a top 10 reliever right now, with the UPSIDE of becoming a top 5 reliever if he can maintain over the next year or two.
I’ll reserve that for after this season.
Andrew Miller? If you’re talking relievers and not closers is clearly a top 5.
Also osuna, Brach, Britton(although injured), hand.. are all better than knebel. Knebel is not a top 10. Maybe not top 15
Rivero?
Thank you. I can’t believe I forgot Britton. I guess Isince he got hurt, he just slipped my mind.
show me the money….hope it goes well for the rockies. and davis….if i where a closer i would never want to pitch in mile high country..,,,,plus i worry davis maybe nearing the end of His run as an elite closer…what will kimbrel get next year 25 million per year ..crazy…Still need starting pitching in colorado otherwise your just an avg team…..finishing third and missing the playoffs…..Might as well sign Jake and then hope for the best…
Over 100 million spent on the pen this off season
The Rockies are trying to buy a championship !!!!
After years of never spending. I see what you did there but it doesn’t change anything.
I wonder what the Yankees could get for 1 year of David Robertson or two years of Betances? Robertson is very reasonable at 1/$13 mil and Betances is approaching his last 2 years of arbitration and “only” made $3 mil last year.
Yanks would still have Chapman to close, one of Robertson/Bets to set up, Warren, Green and Kahnle to handle 5-7 innings and could probably use a hard throwing starter like Cessa and convert him to a bullpen arm too.
I would think given the market the Yanks could probably net a package centered around a top 75-125 prospect.
But they are trying to win, and the more better players you have, the better your odds. No need to subtract from strength. What if they did make that trade then 2 of those guys get hurt, then the Yanks are up a creek. They have no reason to trade away a good reliever.
Bad signing. Relievers way too erratic. They will regret the extra years when he’s getting smacked around at Coors.
Very few relievers in baseball are good year in and year out. Building most of your pen is better imo. At least someone is using the revenue sharing money lol
Agree Patriot….which is why Mariano was so special.
You can argue modern metrics all day long, but at the end of the day consistency game to game, year to year is what makes a Hall of Fame Reliever!
Damn it. The cubs don’t have a closer and Britton is no longer an option.
If you’re a Cubs fan, you should feel relived they didn’t spend that kind of money on him.
I wanted them to re-sign him. He was perfect til the 2nd to last week of the season. When somehow the brewers got to him.
I agree being a big cubs fan, it’s bitter sweet but I wouldn’t want him longer than another year.. much rather save that money for next off season for Andrew miller or kimbrel and Harper. Signing Harper means schwarber and to a lesser extent Happ is out of a position which means we can trade them for that 4th starter we need and not need to pay millions for it!! Then could also trade Happ for a closer.. or do schwarber and Happ for archer and colome.
Relieved!!!
Finally.
Davis is nowhere near the guy he was in KC. This is a massive overpay. I hate the Cubs but they dodged a bullet. Rockies won’t be able to move that contract down the road.
Morrow, that’s the closer. Not saying I like it but that’s the closer
Morrow at best is the 7th inning guy. The cubs might do bullpen by committy to start the year. Morrow is not the closer.
he’s likely the 1st candidate…at least at this point.
Wasn’t (gasp) Justin Wilson a closer for Detroit?
So now with Davis officially gone. Go get Darvish a backup catcher and maybe another outfielder Rajai Davis or Jarrod Dyson and call it a day.
Not sure he was ever labeled as the closer, he was a very solid setup guy there and struggled mightily in Chicago. they need him to rebound, I’m sure he’s also a candidate to close along with Edwards. but Carl’s Jr. is too unpredictable yet to take on that responsibility.
i would love Dyson, very underrated. Not sure why SF hasn’t signed him to patrol CF for them yet.
Dyson would be perfect depending on what he’s asking. Leadoff speed center it’s a no brainer.
Yes, he was Detroit’s Closer. KRod lost the job badly. It was all Justin’s. and he dominated in that role.
They have like 7 outfielders cubs don’t need another outfielder or a catcher. They have Victor Caratini. He’s very capable to back up contreas. They need to avoid Darvish at all costs.
7th inning guy at best? Lol
The relief market has gotten out of control. How you can pay a closer over 15 million dollars a season is baffling to me.. this is nuts. That said.. heck of a bullpen in Denver now. Hopefully shortens some games for their young staff.
The relief market is extremely over-inflated right now. Davis pitched less than 60 innings last year. He is going to get paid roughly $100k for every out that he records. That is pure insanity.
Columes asking price just went up. A controllable closer who has lead baseball in total saves the last 2 years.
I think that’s the idea. No free-agent starter will sign with the Rockies so they should probably pursue a bullpen-game strategy, and they have the right manager in Black to pull it off.
Agreed in that strategy
it was 6 years ago that Papelbon got 50 for 4 from the Phils. it’s the contracts for the set-up guys that have really jumped.
Agreed. Now teams have to pay premium for relievers to relieve starters, who they are paying 20 million/ year, because they cant pitch more than 5 innings?
Another post that gets overtaken by Yankee fans talking about their own players. And they wonder why everyone hates them
A little bit of an overreaction don’t you think dude…..have you read the posts here….certainly don’t think this post was taken over by us Yankee fans….just reflecting on today’s differences in how relievers are paid.
Yes i did read the posts hence why i made my post. Yankee fans talking about how they can trade one of their own relievers and bring up certain guys blah blah blah
It was one single post, dude. Seriously, just relax.
Seriously… delusional much? One or two random Yankee comments and we “hated” fans are overtaking the post. There were way more posts about the Rockies, Brewers, Cubs, etc.
I guess for you, ignorance really is bliss.
Just let the angry bitter fan be while the rest of us talk Baseball
aww i upset yankee fans.
The only one who sounded upset was you lmaoo
lmaaooooooo yup. as evidenced by your little fellow yankee fans getting butthurt because i called them out. lmaoooooo.
Poor KC fan… get ready for a decade of mediocrity.
Lmao kc fan? Sure, im a KC fan.
i see the autism bug paid you a visit.
Took it too far. Autism is not something to joke about.
Shocked by this. They clearly paid a premium. I see a lot of home runs in his future.
No wonder the Pads haven’t traded Hand. His value is through the roof based on these contracts.
Yeah 17 million a year for a closer is steep. That’s why Hand’s asking price is so high because of how cheap he is compared to what relievers are signing for now. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
These prices for relievers is actually becoming a hindrance to Preller and Co.. Hand has been so good the last couple of years and he is going to be so cheap the next couple of years, the asking price is deservedly so high, I am not sure the Padres will be able to make a “fair trade”. With these prices, is Hand worth a #1 prospect from a good system/top 25 in all of baseball kind of player? You would have to think he is, now is any team going to take the plunge?
I really like Wade. Hopefully he continues to be one of the most dominant closers in the game.
I wonder what rivero, betances and hand would get in the trade market ? They are all cheap, elite and at least two of them have at least 2 years of control (not sure about Dellin)
Article is wrong. Cubs avoided the luxury tax this year so they are not a luxury tax payor in 2017 season
Will they sign Kelvin Herrera next year when he’s a free agent, so they can continue the trend of signing former Royal late inning pitchers/closers?
They traded for Davis. Gave up Soler for him. It was a steal for the Cubs.
Still was a former Royal closer/set-up.
Yes, but it was a trade…the Royals had control over where they sent him.
Didn’t he mean the Rockies not the Cubs
I think he’s referring to the Rockies, not the Cubs. The Rockies have signed Holland and Davis now in recent years. The Cubs don’t really have a precedent for signing former Royals closers other than Davis.
Maybe he sees into the future and the Cubs are going to sign Dan Quisenberry or Jeff Montgomery.
I guess “sign all the relievers” was the Rockies’ New Years resolution.
If this is the future, then no way my Tribe can afford to re-sign Miller and/or Allen.
I love what the Rockies been doing the last couple years. They sign Dunn last year and this year Davis and Shaw and resign McGee. And they signed a decent catcher in Iannetta. Great offseason for them. They’re investing a huge amount of money into their bullpen but they very much have to do this to win.
It has been nice to see them getting more aggressive in the offseason. But signing Desmond to that crazy contract also took place. They are making strides, but some have been head scratchers.
I agree with that price was a little high for 5 years. $22m in ‘18 $15m in ‘19 &’20 but then $8m in the final year plus a $15 option year $2 buyout. Not to mention going into his mid 30s age. But he was coming off a good offensive year for the Rangers and he still has the potential to be a good complementary and versatile player with power/speed, If healthy. But yes, the length and price was a little steep.
Hard to see the Cubs coming close to that number. 17 mil for a closer is a crazy high number but Davis is one of the better ones in the biz so more power to him
I am a Red Sox fan and I’m not looking forward to seeing what Kimbrel wants next year AAV 20 million? 22?
I can’t see why such a small salary difference sways a decision to go from a possible dynasty to a team that is mediocre.
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves on the D word. We don’t know what the Cubs offered, maybe only 2 years. Maybe the third year is what got him.
Dynasty? Ok!
Uh, the Rockies are not mediocre. They have beaten the Cubs senseless the last two years, and were a better than the Cubs last year. If they find a TOR pitcher worth a damn, they’ll probably get to the WS with the current roster.
Huge pick up for the rockies at an affordable cost. He’s better than holland and doesnt have quiet this same injury history. Quality pick up!
Rockies are making moves this offseason, good for them. Curious to see how they do this season.
The Rockies needed help in their bullpen, so I like this move. And now they can forget about Holland- which is a good thing. If the young starters continue to develop, the Rox will make a lot of noise in the N.L. By the way, Coors Field is a good hitters park but so are many other ballparks I can think of.
That’s a truck load of money to have tied up in a bullpen. Better hope they live up to it.
Random thoughts on this offseason and the reaction from fans…
1 – It seems MLB franchises have finally learned that bullpens win championships, that the most pivotal playoff games are usually won and lost by the bullpens, and as infuriating as relievers can be with the year-to-year inconsistency, they are the most sensible risk when weighing the cost vs. the benefit.
2 – It seems MLB franchises are also realizing that a dependable bullpen has the added value potential in minimizing the overuse of starters and thus somewhat mitigating the risk of far more expensive assets suffering catastrophic injuries.
3 – It seems MLB franchises are beginning to embrace the notion that higher AAVs over shorter terms are much wiser gambles than signing 32 yr old players showing all the signs of imminent decline to 6 and 7 year guarantees. Fans keep crying “overpay” on nearly every signing this offseason, but IMO there is no such thing as an overpay on a 3-year guarantee or less. The risk of the player returning less value may still be there, but the contract won’t hamper a franchise over any length of time.
4 – Some teams may just be concerned about the exorbitant length of term contracts that next year is expected to see, and may just be trying to mitigate that with only shorter term guarantees this year. Not sure, but it certainly feels as though the anticipation and presumptions of next offseason are impacting the approach to this offseason.
Oh…and there really is not a FA this offseason that was ever worth more than a 4-year guarantee, IMHO (unless you count Ohtani, but he, of course, was not a true FA).
In summary, I like this signing for the Rockies, though I admit it comes with a bit of risk, All relievers come with similar risk; you still have to pay for quality, and you usually have to pay a premium for quality pitchers in Denver. Sad but true.
At least they didn’t give him 4 years, or a NTC. Rockies did well to minimize their risk on this one, while still making the gamble.
Well the price for Brad Hand may have gone up a bit with this signing. That’s a lot of dough to shell out for a closer.
As a Royals fan, I love Wade Davis but forking out that kind of money for him is a bad move for the Rockies. But I guess that is why they are the Rockies lol
When you have 6 talented pre-arb starters, with 3 talented prospects in the upper minors, you can spend 100M on the bullpen. Its a nice luxury to have for a small market team that struggles to attract pitching talent.
What is it with Jeff Bridich and overpaying relievers.
The Rox have to have the most expensive bullpen in the game.
Wow
Absolutely dumb on the Rockies part. Only way you can get a pitcher to Denver is to overpay. That’s exactly why Davis chose to go to Denver.
Davis didn’t have many options either
I’m sure there were a few teams in on him.
Don’t pay for saves…. unless it’s Mariano Rivera. waste of money
Davis just showed us what he is all about. Now that he has won he just wants money. Rockies at best get knocked out after winning the wildcard.
Could be he did not want to pitch for Maddon because he may pitch him so much his arm would be dragging or get injured?
He was underused during the season. He was used as much as any reliever in the playoffs. I don’t understand how he was overused, maybe used more than usual.
No it could not be that he was over used. It could be the 52.5 million he got though!
Incredible that fans still don’t understand that these guys can’t really make any money past the age of 40 in this profession. This is the dumbest take of all time. Davis did what he should have done, taken the money and ran. All players should be about money over winning, winning a title is damn near impossible, it rightfully should be second fiddle. This is a billion dollar industry because of the players whether you like it or not, and the players are why its a billion dollar industry. To criticize any player for not taking the money is idiocy.
My boy Andrew Miller has his eyes like
$_$ right now
Hope next year at wrigley they announce , its Miller time. He will definitely bring the big contract
I’m a huge fan of miller and was sad to see him leave ny. However the trade made sense and we got red thunder and Sheffield in return so it was worth it. If your cubbies snag him you will instantly love his talent and character !
It was great trade for Yankees . Sheffield will be fun to watch
Way overpay. Time will bare out it is too high and long a contract for a closer. Stupid. He has maybe 2 good years left in him as an elite closer. #Scoutseyes
Fortunately for the Rockies it’s a 3 year deal and no more than that
So how much do scouts get paid these days? Just wondering!
If you are a cross checker, or VP or director, the pay is great. If you are a local scout or part time scout the pay is dirt. That is the primary reason when I was offered a job with an MLB club I declined and went into the business world. It would have been below the poverty level.
Which club?
Braves.
Or were they going to call you a local scout but have you scout 10 year olds in the D.R?
What job? Peanut vendor ? You didn’t really say!
After this deal it’s scary to think what Craig Kimbrel will get on the open market next winter.
People seem to be overreacting to the signing. Its only 1M AAV more than Melancon got, and Davis’ contract only has 3 years guaranteed, which makes it arguably a better contract for the team. Very comparable players, they both mix a 4 seam, cutter, and knuckle curve. Melacon had a little better track record of success, but the Rockies always overpay 1-3M AAV for pitchers.
As a Rockies fan, I’m less concerned with Wade being a bust, since we have a deep pen, and more with the ability to still resign Blackmon and Arenado. Starting to think we’ll re-sign Blackmon and give up on retaining Arenado after his final arbitration year. They should trade for Yelich now, next year get a comp pick for Blackmon and give Arenado 8/310.
They Rockies haven’t signed a big name pitcher since mike Hampton 17 years ago and that turned out to be a brutal contract. Hopefully this one works out much better for them
It’s an overpay, but Colorado identified their guy and went for it. Can’t fault that, I don’t like that contract for the Cubs, so I’m cool with it. They’ve done a great job of avoiding the luxury tax and they have other immediate needs as well as long term chess moves (Harper or Machado) to consider. I’m cool with a backend of CJ, Morrow and perhaps Reed and/or Duensing. Colorado knows their rotation can’t compete in the West so why not build a powerful pen. I like the signing for them.
Be “cool” with it all you want. The Cubs still don’t get to the NLCS without a closer.
Who says they don’t have a closer? Edwards strop Wilson morrow are all capable.
Oh good, you can name relief pitchers on the Cubs roster. What makes you think any of them are elite enough to close for a contending team?
No, it only means Davis won’t be the closer. That’s it. Sims is right, they have legit options already on the roster. BTW, how effective was Giles for HOU at backend on their way to the ship? Don’t overreact and if you’re trying to troll… try harder Sux fan. At least try to be somewhat clever…entertain us. 3 straight trips to the NLCS, 3 different closers. Theo/Jed don’t panic, that’s how they’ve built a monster that can sustain success. They play chess while most are playing checkers. Half their core hasn’t even peaked yet, the window is wide open. They don’t need to be desperate and hand out bad contracts to aging pitchers and risk hitting the luxury tax.
BTW, what do you know about contending teams, Sux fan?
I’d be surprised if Morrow, CJ or JW is the closer heading into the 2018 playoffs.
What do Cubs fans know about contending? Apparently nothing. Throwing names of relievers into a hat and rolling with closer-by-committee does not work for teams trying to contend. Opposing hitters love them so Cubbie relievers though. Looks like the bp will be their Achilles Heel again.
Edwards has proven time and time again that he cannot get the job done on the big stage.
“What do cub fans know about contending ?”
Is a White Sox fan really asking this question ? The Sox have made the post season only 3 times in the last 17+ years ????????
Wait scratch that the White Sox have made the post season only 9 times IN FRANCHISE HISTORY !!!!!!! And you want to joke on another fan base about contention
Yankee degenerate fans preaching about contending? Heres some news for you, chump. Everybody hates the Yankees. Not because they win, but how they win. You assclowns buy players, cheat with PEDs and stealing signs, and tamper with other teams’ rosters. I have real respect for the Cardinals and Reds, who won by doing things the right way. Enjoy your gifted Giancarlo Stanton from that schmuck Jeetuh. I wouldn’t be mad if he slips a disc three games into the season, and hope Judge sets a new strikeout rate. Prepare to get owned, because a reckoning is coming for you in 2020.
Boy Yankee Patriot really set you straight Chisox
Well I would gave to say Yankee fans sure would have at least a lot of experience in contending
Yankeepunk set me straight on what, exactly? That the White Sox haven’t made the playoffs much? What profound observation. The Cubs have been worse, and for a longer period of time. That’s the story of sports in Chicago. New York is no better, except for the Yankees in a rigged system in baseball. A salary cap puts an end to that.
Why? They do not have a closer because none of them, but Wilson, was in that role last year? Davis used to be a setup guy as well.
Morrow will be fine closing with his stuff. Wilson was closing very well for Detroit last year.
The Rockies need more starting pitching if hey are even gonna contend but this is a great piece for their bullpen
They made the wild card last year with the pitchers they have now (excluding Tyler Chatwood of course) and they were young. So now they can’t contend? Also, if we’re being honest, pitching staffs rely on the bullpen. You don’t need a great rotation. The bullpen is where it matters now. The Rockies realize it, and look at what they’re doing.
The Dodgers are a beast, but I agree. It’s perfectly within reason to think that the Rockies can be legit wild card contenders.
I do think this is a very good sign for them……
You say that and you call yourself the baseball expert?
I hope he has a great time in Denver!!!!!!!
FINALLY a signing!
I do agree with Matthew nowadays you only need your starting to give a good solid 5 o 6 innings and with a good bullpen your team will be fine.