Colorado Rockies Ink Deals With Veteran Relievers Jason Motte, Chad Qualls

During a Tuesday filled with plenty of moves throughout the league, the Colorado Rockies were one of the teams trying to improve their club, adding veteran relievers Jason Motte and Chad Qualls to their bullpen which might I add, wasn’t very good last season.

Rockies’ fans everywhere know that the team possesses a solid lineup yet lacks the necessary pitching to contend not only in the National League West, but the MLB as a whole. Colorado looked to have somewhat of a promising bullpen with Adam Ottavino in the mix but the right-hander went down early in the season, opting for Tommy John Surgery.

Colorado signed the two veteran relievers to two-year deals apiece as Motte will earn $5 million annually opposed to Qualls’ $3 million. At first glance when hearing about the signings I was kind of alarmed, yet knew Colorado needed to do all they could when putting forth a stable pen for the next year or so — especially with the way the NL West is shaping out.

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Motte, 33, was apart of the eighth ranked bullpen in the league last season — the Chicago Cubs. Jason appeared in 57 games last season for the rejuvenated Cubs, who happened to reach the postseason, sporting an 8-1 record accompanied by an ERA of 3.91. Motte is a guy who won’t walk a lot of batters, which is good news for the Rockies.

Motte walked 11 batters over 48.1 innings pitched last season, yielding 21 runs on 48 hits while striking out 34. Motte was also used as a closer for a handful of games, going 6-for-7 in save opportunities while collecting nine holds.

Qualls, 37, on the other hand had somewhat of an up-and-down season for the Houston Astros, who also happened to make the playoffs. The veteran logged 49.1 innings with Houston, giving up 24 runs on 46 hits. One problem with Qualls this past season was with the home run ball — he gave up six. Like Motte, Qualls isn’t going to walk a lot of batters.

Qualls walked just nine batters, collecting 46 strikeouts while collecting a record of 3-5. Qualls ERA was a tad bit high, sitting at 4.38 but he has a lot to offer to this Rockies’ team, especially veteran leadership. If Qualls and Motte can help the young relievers in Colorado’s pen mature and develop, this team can make an impact for years to come.

As for incentives and bonuses, ESPN has you covered.

Each can earn $1 million every season in performances based on games finished: $100,000 each for 30 and 35; $150,000 apiece for 40 and 45; $200,000 for 50; and $300,000 for 55.

Next: Rockies Year in Review: Tommy Kahnle

If Colorado wants to contend in the tough National League West, the bullpen must be better — something they’ve addressed thus far.