The Milwaukee Brewers announced the signing of relief pitcher Neftali Feliz to a one-year contract. Feliz’s deal is worth a reported $5.35 million, though he can earn an additional $1.5 million in incentives.
The Los Angeles Dodgers were among the clubs connected to Feliz prior to last week’s report he was nearing an agreement with Milwaukee. The 2010 American League Rookie of the Year underwent Tommy John surgery in 2013 and struggled with the Texas Rangers in 2015.
Feliz was subsequently released by Texas in July of that season, signed with the Detroit Tigers, only to incur more trouble. He finished the year a combined 3-4 with a 6.38 ERA, 4.05 FIP, 1.56 WHIP and allowed a career-worst 10.7 hits per nine innings.
Feliz signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates last January and largely enjoyed a bounce-back season. He averaged 10.2 strikeouts per nine innings and a career-best 14.2 swinging-strike rate that ranked 24th among qualified relievers.
The 28-year-old went 4-2 with a 3.52 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 4.52 FIP in 62 games last season. Areas where Feliz did not fare well were his 1.7 home runs allowed per nine innings and 19.2 home run/fly ball percentage in 53.2 innings pitched.
Although Feliz improved from his 2015 campaign, last season came to an end early — Sept. 3 — due to an arm injury. The details of which were never publicly released.
With the Brewers having previously traded Tyler Thornburg to the Boston Red Sox, Feliz slots in as Milwaukee’s closer. He has a career 99 saves and 3.22 ERA over eight seasons with the Rangers, Tigers and Pirates.
For the Dodgers, Joe Blanton and Greg Holland remain among potential bullpen options.
