Report: Rockies sign LaTroy Hawkins to one-year, $2.5-million deal to be their closer
The Colorado Rockies have themselves a new closer:
LaTroy Hawkins agrees to one year, 2.5 million deal with the #Rockies to be their closer
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 19, 2013
Hawkins, 41 in December, had a great season for the Mets in 2013, posting a 2.93 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 14 saves in 70 2/3 innings of relief. He struck out 55, walked 10, and made only $1 million.
Age is nothing but a number to Hawkins, who's put together three straight solid seasons. He's got a 2.96 ERA and 1.24 WHIP over the last three years in 161 innings.
His deal reportedly includes an option for 2015:
LaTroy Hawkins will receive 2.25 million in 2O13 with a 25O,OOO buyout or 2.25 million option in 2014 w #Rockies
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 19, 2013
Nightengale adds that the Rockies beat out the Mets, Braves, and Indians for Hawkins' services.
Rockies pitchers Rafael Betancourt and Rex Brothers split the closer duties for Colorado in 2013. Brothers was great, posting a 1.74 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 72 games and 67 1/3 innings, and 19 saves. Betancourt had a 4.08 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 32 games and 28 2/3 innings, before an elbow injury ended his season and potentially his career.
#Rockies want to use Brothers, Bettis as high-leverage setup men. Signing Hawkins will give them that freedom. Obviously roles can evolve.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 19, 2013