Colorado signs vital core member to an extension

The Colorado Rockies haven’t made much news so far in this offseason despite adding a couple of lesser-known pitchers to the 40-man roster.

On Wednesday, the didn’t do much to assuage the concerns of those who feel this stagnation spells doom for the upcoming 2020 campaign, but the did make a prudent transaction that could well have plenty of positive impact over the next three seasons.

According to multiple reports, probable closer Scott Oberg was inked to a three-year, $13 million contract with an option for a fourth year at $8 million.

Oberg is an original Rockie, drafted and developed by the club, he has been in the organization since 2012.

He made his MLB debut in 2015 and got knocked around a bit for his first three years trying to stick at the highest level in the land. Sitting with a career ERA of 5.07 over his first 113.3 innings of work, it was starting to look like Oberg’s incredibly promising arsenal was just never going to amount to positive results.

But one last trip to the minors after experiencing some injuries in 2018 and Oberg finally settle on the best method for throwing his slider. He returned to MLB and suddenly had a wicked out pitch. He stabilized the Rockies bullpen and finished out the season on one of the hottest stretches of relief in recent memory, famously striking out the final four Chicago Cubs who came to the plate in the National League Wild Card Game to complete the Club’s only postseason win of the decade.

The flamethrowing righty just kept it going through 2019, putting up absurd numbers through the first half that had him in legitimate conversation for All-Star recognition. As closer Wade Davis’ season continued to spiral out of control, Oberg eventually took over as the man to finish games in Colorado and did not miss a beat.

He finished the season with a 2.25 ERA and five saves before having to be shut down with a blood clot issue.

Bud Black told the media today that “health wise, I think he is doing well. He seems to be in a good spot physically.”

Though he would not commit to him being the closer at this time, Black was clearly happy with the deal, saying that Oberg is the “right type of guy” to pitch in Colorado.

If his combined 2.35 ERA over his last 114.2 inning is indicative of a pitcher that has turned the corner and discovered himself, then a $4.3 million AAV is a steal for this type of production.

Oberg turns 30 years old in March.