The Rockies signed Wade Davis to be their closer for the next three or four seasons. The 32-year-old righty performed great for the Cubs last season, posting a 2.30 ERA, 12.1 K/9, and 32 saves. The Rockies hope Davis will be able to continue the high-level production into his mid-30s.
The biggest change for Davis, compared to his time closing for the Royals and Cubs, will be a projected increase in his WHIP and ERA because of Colorado’s high home field BABIP. His ERA will likely get bumped up a half a run. He’s still playable in all fantasy leagues, but because he’s a Rockie, he won’t be in the top closer tier.
Besides the spacious home park, the Davis’ next biggest concern has been a decline in his fastball velocity from 95.9 to 94.9 to 94.3 mph. While he’s kept his strikeouts up with the velocity drop, he’s done it by using his cutter more. Eventually, age will catch up with him, and the strikeouts will disappear.
The Rockies were expected to sign a closer, but which one was unknown. Davis is now the man, and it wasn’t 100% clear who had the role before he signed. Bryan Shaw, Jake McGee, and Adam Ottavino were each in the mix. Each one has a similar talent level, so the in-season usage order will likely depend on health and/or who is the hot (or cold) arm that week.
Previous Hot Stove Analysis
Arizona Adds Bullpen Depth with Yoshihisa Hirano
Indians Fill First-Base Void with Yonder Alonso
Brewers Bolster Rotation with Jhoulys Chacin
Orioles Lose Zach Britton, Brad Brach Likely Closer
Giants Add Evan Longoria, Rays Create a Mess
Red Sox Bring Back Mitch Moreland
CC Sabathia Returns to Yankees
Dodgers-Braves Make Five-Player Trade
Angels in the Infield: Zack Cozart Signs with Los Angeles
Phillies Ink Carlos Santana to Three-Year Deal
Everyone’s Signing Relievers, But Who Will Close?
Cardinals Finally Get Their Marlins Outfielder
Cubs and Twins Gamble on Smyly and Pineda
Chase Headley Gets Dumped on Padres
Cubs and Cardinals Add Potential Closers
Giancarlo Stanton Joins Yankees
Welington Castillo Inks Deal with White Sox
Potential Closers Traded: Boxberger and Johnson