Colorado Rockies sign closer Adam Ottavino to extension

The Colorado Rockies agreed to a three-year extension with closer Adam Ottavino, avoiding arbitration.

Adam Ottavino and rockies agree on $10.4M, 3-yr extension. Straight deal, no options. All Bases Covered agency did deal.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 19, 2015

The Rockies will pay Ottavino 10.4 million over three seasons. The yearly salary of the deal starts at 1.3 million, increasing to 2.1 million in year two and 7 million in the final year of the contract. 

Over his career, Ottavino has a 3.88 ERA, with 254 k in 255 innings over five major league seasons. He only has four career saves, with three coming early in 2015.

Ottavino got off to a career best start in 2015, solidifying himself as the Rockies closer without allowing a single run in the process. Unfortunately, his season was cut short when he tore ligaments in his throwing elbow and underwent Tommy John Surgery in May. This led to a revolving door of closer for the Rockies in 2015. He continues to rehab his elbow and is expected to return in May or June of 2016.

2016 will be the right-hander’s fifth season with Colorado after being picked up off waivers from the Cardinals in early 2012. He’s come a long way from being a starter with St. Louis to the long man in project 5183 to showing a short stretch of dominance in the closer’s role.

At 30, Ottavino looks to build on his strong start in 2015 and become the Colorado Rockies permanent closer. Health is a major concern, but if Ottavino is healthy, the job is his to lose.