Rockies agree to deals with relievers Motte and Qualls
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The Colorado Rockies tried to fill big holes in their bullpen by agreeing to two-year contracts Tuesday with a pair of former closers, guaranteeing Jason Motte $10 million and Chad Qualls $6 million.
Colorado cut three relievers last month, including Rockies' saves leader John Axford.
The 33-year-old Motte appeared in 57 games with the Chicago Cubs last season, his seventh in the major leagues, and had six saves. He led the NL with 42 saves while with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2012. Motte missed 2013 after Tommy John surgery.
Motte gets $5 million annually.
Qualls, 37, was 3-5 with a 4.38 ERA with Houston last year. He has 74 saves over a 12-season big league career that has included stints with Arizona, Houston, Tampa Bay, San Diego, Philadelphia, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh and Miami.
He gets a $1 million signing bonus and salaries of $1.75 million this year and $3.25 million in 2017.
Each can earn $1 million every season in performances based on games finished: $100,000 each for 30 and 35; $150,000 apiece for 40 and 45; $200,000 for 50; and $300,000 for 55.
