Brewers sign Feliz to 1-year contract
The Milwaukee Brewers have found themselves a new closer.
Milwaukee announced Thursday they've signed right-hander Neftali Feliz to a one-year contact, which Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan reports is worth a guaranteed $5.35 million.
Feliz, who Passan reports is expected to be the Brewers' closer, can earn an additional $1.5 million in incentives, according to MLB.com's Adam McCalvy.
"We are excited to add a pitcher with Neftali's stuff to the back end of our bullpen," general manager David Stearns said, according to the Brewers' official Twitter account. "Neftali has a long pedigree of getting high-leverage outs. We believe he has the capability to help anchor our young relief corps."
After the Brewers traded Jeremy Jeffress at August's non-waiver deadline, Tyler Thornburg took over the closer's role for the club. But the 28-year-old Thornburg was also traded this past December, once again leaving a vacancy at closer for Milwaukee.
"I think getting the opportunity to close the game, that’s what I’m looking for. The Brewers gave me that chance," Feliz said, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.
The 28-year-old Feliz appeared in 62 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates last season, striking out 10.2 hitters per nine innings while posting a 3.52 ERA.
Feliz was once a dominant closer for the Texas Rangers, saving 72 games between 2010-11 before transitioning into a starter and eventually undergoing Tommy John surgery. He only appeared in 14 games from 2012-13.
Over the course of his eight-year career, Feliz owns a 3.22 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 308 appearances, which included seven starts.