Colorado Rockies sign two veteran relievers

The Colorado Rockies made their first free agent signings of the offseason. The Rockies acquired veteran relief pitchers Jason Motte and Chad Qualls.

Both are former closers and should help strengthen a bullpen that ranked last in nearly every pitching category in 2015.

Motte, 33, signed a two-year deal worth $10 million after going 8-1 with a 3.91 ERA in 57 appearances for the Chicago Cubs in 2015.

Over his eight year carear, Motte has won 26 games to go along with 60 saves and a 3.16 ERA.

Health has been a problem for Motte, as the former St Louis Cardinals closer underwent Tommy John surgery in 2013 after leading the ML in saves with 42 in 2012.

Motte also went on the disabled list on August 24, because of shoulder fatigue and did not pitch for the remainder of the 2015 season.

Qualls, 37, signed for two years and $6 million after going 3-5 with a 4.78 ERA for the Houston Astros in 2015.

Chad Qualls has 72 saves over his 12-year major league career, playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Houston Astros, Miami Marlins, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Rays, Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Yankees.

Qualls missed 14 games in 2015 due to a pinched nerve in his neck.

According the Rockies General Manager Jeff Bridich, both Motte and Qualls passed their physicals and should be ready for spring training.

The bullpen is reshaping after the Rockies designated John Axford and Tommy Kahnle for assignment last week.

Assuming the Rockies decide to keep Miguel Castro up at the major league level, and Adam Ottovino returns from Tommy John Surgery in June, the addition of Jason Motte and Chad Qualls will give the Rockies 4 quality pitchers with the capability of closing. 

Now the question is whether the Colorado Rockies make any more moves this offseason.