Right-handed reliever Steve Cishek requested and was granted his release from the Astros on Thursday, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic was among those to report. He had been vying for a role in the Astros’ bullpen after signing a minor league contract during the offseason.
Cishek would have earned a $2.25MM salary had he made the Astros, but that looked increasingly unlikely after the team signed starter Jake Odorizzi to a two-year, $23.5MM deal earlier this month. After all, the Astros are hoping to stay under the $210MM luxury-tax threshold, and adding Cishek to their roster would have made that more difficult to accomplish.
The 34-year-old Cishek had a rough 2020 as a member of the White Sox, with whom he put up a 5.40 ERA/4.47 SIERA over 20 innings, but his track record suggests he’ll catch on with another team soon. Cishek has combined for a 2.78 ERA/3.36 SIERA with decent strikeout and walk percentages (25.2 and 9.2) and a 48.9 grounder mark over 576 innings since he first pitched in the majors in 2010. He gave up three earned runs in 7 2/3 innings and posted 12 strikeouts against two walks this spring.
Cubs!
Red Sox. Come on Bloom.
Twins should take a flyer on him.
Bummer! He was pitching pretty well. Was hoping we could find a way to keep him.
His three earned runs were all solo HRs in his first appearance. I guess the Astros don’t see him as viable. For the price, I figured he was a lock.
I would prefer the Astros stock up now and not trade away players at the deadline, but we’ll see.
Absolutely insane move.
Cishek shouldn’t have much trouble finding a job. A lot of teams have had relievers go down with injuries recently. The Jays, Rays & Rangers could all have interest with their recent bullpen injuries. The Braves could probably still use another reliever as well.
Rockies should offer him 2M to set up for Bard. Then flip him at the deadline if he performs well.
Im not super familiar whith him but isnt he a sidearm guy? So i would think he would do well in coors
Been in the league for years
Threw 100 at sidearm
Time to hang it up, Cishek.
Agree. I thought he was one of the top FA relievers going into 2020. I & the White Sox were wrong. Put a fork in him
Dude had a sub-3 ERA for almost a decade and after like 20 rough innings in crazy COVID year you guys think he needs to retire…?
@BKS1110 the question I have for you is what is your all time fav Mega Man Game? Digging the emblem of the Blue Bomber
He’s been a solid reliever, many teams could use a arm capable of pitching at his caliber which is 2.89 era outta the pen
No doubt. He just doesn’t look to be nearly as effective as he was before 2020
No way
He’ll land somewhere by weeks end.
Get him, Blue Jays! You just lost Yates for the year. Why not?
Literally every teams fans would welcome him. And I’m no different. Angels bullpen could definitely use some help, and depth.
i wouldn’t be opposed to seeing him as a card for the second time, he did pretty well in his first go around with us.
Agreed. And Minasian has built a staff around ground balls. Be interesting to see if he’s given an offer.
With a career 146 ERA+ I’d be quite surprised if no one tries to get him an MLB contract quick putting aside last season. Some of his greatest seasons have been from ’16-’19.
please reds
Data shows it’s not that simple. Psychological factors play a roll. You can argue with data if you wish.
Philly. id prefer him over Watson.
The Mariners will sign him for the 322 time.
Chris Berman always called him
Cishek by the Sea Shores
Pirates.. go get’m! LOL
Seriously though, he should have little trouble getting on another team
It seems like any of these older relievers could fit well with the pirates, but it seems like the pirates like to stay with their homegrown options