MLB Weekly Digest January 21st Edition

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The prior week in MLB was about a team in the American League improving their bullpen, a starting pitcher is open to a long-term deal with his current club, and a team in the AL signs a reliever to a one-year contract.

New York Yankees Sign Reliever Adam Ottavino to Three-Year Contract

The New York Yankees have a stellar bullpen and strengthened it a couple days ago by signing reliever Adam Ottavino, per Jeff Passan of ESPN.

The New York Yankees have a deal with reliever Adam Ottavino, league sources tell ESPN.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 17, 2019

He signed a three-year, $27 million contract, per Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports.

#Yankees have a deal $27m/3 yr with Ottavino.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 17, 2019

Ottavino was dominant last season with the Colorado Rockies.

He posted a 2.43 ERA in 77 2/3 innings pitched (75 games) with 112 strikeouts, 36 walks issued, five home runs yielded, a 193 ERA+, a 2.74 FIP and a 0.99 WHIP.

The right-hander was one of the better relievers in the National League in 2018, and it wasn’t a surprise he signed a multi-year deal.

The impressive aspect during last season for Ottavino was he compiled a 2.10 ERA and surrendered just two home runs pitching at home in Coors Field.

It’s quite rare for any pitcher to have success throwing the ball at Coors, but Ottavino was the exception.

The addition of Ottavino is tremendous by the Yankees as he joins a loaded bullpen with Dellin Betances, Zach Britton, and Aroldis Chapman.

The Yankees can shorten games as they have four quality relievers to shut down the opposition.

Red Sox Starting Pitcher Chris Sale Wants Long-Term Deal to Remain in Boston

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale will be a free agent next season, but he’s open to signing a long-term deal with the team.

According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, Sale mentioned he would be willing to discuss a long-term contract before Opening Day.

“My phone’s on,” Sale said. “Yeah. If they called, I’d answer.”

Sale will make $13.5 million in 2019 and will be a free agent for the first time once the season is over.

The left-hander played a crucial role in the Red Sox winning the American League East crown and the World Series last year.

He compiled a 2.11 ERA in 158 innings pitched (27 starts) with 237 strikeouts, 11 home runs allowed, 24 walks issued, a 1.98 FIP, a 0.86 FIP and a 13.5 SO/9.

Sale is one of the elite starting pitchers in the majors.

He did have a shoulder injury which sidelined him as the regular season ended last year, but he made three starts during the postseason.

The Red Sox will have to make some decisions next offseason as Xander Bogaerts, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Rick Porcello will all be free agents as well.

Outfielder Mookie Betts who received $20 million during his second year of arbitration, will receive another raise next year before becoming a free agent after 2020.

The Red Sox could offer Sale a long-term deal before the regular season starts, and he might be willing to accept, considering that Bryce Harper and Manny Machado remain unsigned.

Los Angeles Angels Sign Reliever Cody Allen to One-Year Deal

The Los Angeles Angels have signed reliever Cody Allen to a one-year contract worth $8.5 million, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.

The Angels’ deal with Cody Allen is official, as has been reported. He’ll get $8.5 million on a one-year deal to be the closer, with up to $2 million in incentives, a source confirmed to The Athletic. Team hasn’t announced it and it will require a 40-man move.

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) January 20, 2019

The contract also includes $2 million in incentives.

Allen is coming off the worst seasons of his career as he posted a 4.70 ERA in 67 innings pitched (70 games) with 11 home runs allowed, 33 walks issued, 80 strikeouts, a 4.56 FIP and a 1.35 WHIP.

The right-hander is looking for better results during the 2019 season, and, hopefully, can secure a long-term deal next offseason.

About Post Author

Chris Lacey

Chris is a New Jersey native whose favorite sports team is the Arizona Diamondbacks. He previously attended Western New England College to study Sports Management. Chris has been following the Diamondbacks since he was 12. You can find him on Twitter at @aecanada12.

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