Relievers are coming off the market now, as Alex Colome reportedly signed with the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday. The deal is over one year with an option. It will pay him $5 million in 2021 and, and he is guaranteed $6.25 million. Also, move comes the day after they reportedly re-signed Nelson Cruz to a one-year contract.
Colome was a member of a pretty deep relief pitching market, and was one of the better options in that market although now other teams will have to turn elsewhere for bullpen help
Alex Colome to Twins
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 3, 2021
Colome’s Career
Colome was signed by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2007 as an amateur free agent. He made his debut in 2013 with the Rays, as a starter. Colome transitioned to a bullpen role in 2015 before becoming the closer in 2016. He was successful, saving 37 games to the tune of a 1.91 ERA, and earning his only All-Star nod. The next year he saved a league-leading 47 games. His 2018 started out rough with a 4.15 ERA, and he was traded to the Seattle Mariners. He took up a setup role in Seattle, and returned to his consistent self with a 2.53 ERA.
In the following offseason, Colome was sent to the South Side of Chicago, where he spent the last two seasons. Between 2019 and 2020 with the Chicago White Sox, Colome pitched 83 1/3 innings, racking up 42 saves. Additionally, he posted a 2.27 ERA, including a 0.81 mark last year. After two very successful seasons in Chicago, Colome entered the free agent market at the right time.
Overall, Colome has pitched 424 innings over eight seasons with three teams. He has a 2.95 ERA in those innings and he has compiled 138 saves in his career. He has struck out batters at a career rate of 8.2 K/9. Colome doesn’t post the typical gaudy strikeout numbers that other, big name relievers do, but he has historically gotten the job done all the same.
On To Minnesota
Alex Colome signs with the Twins, and so Minnesota fans should be very pleased. He has been a reliable reliever, and that is just what the Twins needed. A dependable closer was a priority for Twins in this offseason and they definitely have one in Colome. He will be closing out very important ball games as his new team looks to get over the hump.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
