Colorado Rockies: offseason strategy should target 5 players

CLOSER

Player: Addison Reed, RHP

Former Team: New York Mets-Boston Red Sox

2017 Statistics:

• Pitching: 2-3, 2.84 ERA, 19 SV, 76 IP, 65 H, 24 ER, 15 BB, 76 SO, 11 HRA, 1.05 WHIP, 2.4 WAR, 154 ERA+

Acquisition Route: Free Agency

• Terms of the Deal: 5 years, $ 50,000,000

Why Addison?

The Colorado Rockies are losing three veteran bullpen arms to free agency. While the general census believes Colorado will make a serious run for Greg Holland, the Sporting News Weekly’s 2017 Comeback Player of the Year, there is a great chance his 2017 numbers clear the way for a major pay day, and price the Colorado Rockies out of the market altogether.

With that said, Holland isn’t the only bullpen arm Colorado is losing. Set-up men Jake McGee and Pat Neshek are also available Free Agents, creating a major loss of veteran leadership, and closing experience in the bullpen.

That is where Addison Reed comes into play, the former New York Mets closer and former Boston Red Sox set-up man, has a solid fastball-slider mix similar to that of Greg Holland. His 125 career saves show he is capable of taking on the big inning. His 3.05 career ERA in save situations isn’t bad and the stuff is there so with a year of tutoring from pitching coach Steve Foster and bullpen coach Darren Holmes, the right hander could be in a Rockies uniform.

Another cause for optimism, comes from the 1.05 WHIP due to great control, and the limited number of hits allowed. When you add in the 76 strikeouts over 76 innings pitched, and a 9.00 SO/9 IP ratio, Addision becomes the prime candidate to replace Holland if the Rockies can not resign him.

Added Value: Power arm, veteran leader, experienced closer, veteran bullpen,  post-season veteran