Alex Colome is far from a household name, however, few relievers have had the success he has had over the past few years. The Dominican born righty entered the league in 2013 and has posted a 2.95 ERA in 424 innings. Colome became a closer in 2016, and has since compiled 138 saves. The free agent is entering his age 32 season, and is hitting the market at the right time. Colome enters free agency after a season where he gave up just two earned runs in 22 and one-third innings with a 0.81 ERA. Since the Chicago White Sox seem to have their eyes set on former Oakland Athletics closer, Liam Hendriks, here are some potential landing spots for Colome that aren’t the South Side of Chicago.
Chicago Cubs
Alex Colome may not return to the South Side of Chicago, but he could move to the North Side. The Chicago Cubs didn’t have too many bullpen arms they could trust. The Craig Kimbrel signing has not worked out thus far and Jeremy Jeffress is a free agent. With the Cubs moving on from Kyle Schwarber and possibly other offensive players, Chicago needs to be able to hold the leads they are able to get. Adding Colome in free agency can go a long way to doing that.
Philadelphia Phillies
This fit is a no-brainer for the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies had one of the worst bullpen ERAs in the history of the game in 2020. For a team that just barely missed the postseason, that is a tough pill to swallow. There were just no dependable arms for Joe Girardi to turn to. Philadelphia just needs to find some consistent relievers. Colome is a pitch-to-contact guy, so he may not be a fit based on the Phillies inconsistent defense, but in terms of his dependability, Colome could fit wonderfully. Of the possible landing spots for Colome, this could make the most sense for both sides.
Miami Marlins
Easily the biggest surprise of 2020, the Miami Marlins want to build on what they accomplished in this shortened season. While they won’t be in on any big-money free agents, they do want to add to their bullpen, which is something the newly appointed GM Kim Ng said was a priority. Colome won’t command the money the aforementioned Hendriks will, but he will still be valuable member of any bullpen. A cheaper price-tag means he would be an ideal fit for the Marlins bullpen.
Oakland Athletics
Speaking of Hendriks, it appears the White Sox are very interested in his services. Which means the A’s are looking for a closer. Well they may as well sign the former White Sox closer. Both teams would still be in great shape just swapping closers. The A’s had the best bullpen in the league last year, so they could just appoint another arm to the role. However, Colome wouldn’t break the bank, and it would give Oakland an experienced, reliable arm to close out ball games.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays have shown interest in just about every free agent. The Blue Jays have money to spend, so why not spend it on a back of the bullpen guy like Colome. Toronto has some young arms that they like, and had a breakout pitcher in the 32 year old Rafael Dolis, but they don’t have much experience in the pen. Colome fits in Toronto because he gives them a consistent arm to finish games. However, he can also provide some veteran leadership for a young, inexperienced Blue Jay bullpen.
Alex Colome fits in plenty of bullpens outside of the ones listed above. There are a lot of teams who could use a guy like Colome. Wherever he ends up though, he will give quality relief outings, whether he is in a setup role or finishing games.
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