The Colorado Rockies made their first significant move of the offseason, signing relief pitcher Scott Oberg to a three-year, $13 million extension, according to USA Today. The deal runs through 2022, with an $8 million club option for 2023.
“I’m just really grateful that the Rockies were able to give me this opportunity, and they’ve stuck with me through thick and thin over the years,” Oberg said via Thomas Harding of MLB.com. “My family and I are really excited about this. We really like the city of Denver. We love the fans. We love the organization. We’re really excited about prospects for the future.”
Oberg was the Rockies’ best relief pitcher last season, posting a 6-1 record with a 2.25 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP out of the bullpen.
The 29-year-old was the only reliable arm for the Rockies last season, and he chewed up 56 innings before his season was cut short due to an issue with blood clots in his right arm.
Oberg underwent surgery to fix the issue and is expected to be good to go for the club in 2020.
When Wade Davis was removed from the closer role after prolonged struggles, Oberg stepped in, logging five saves.
Oberg’s 2019 campaign set him up to be the Rockies’ closer in the coming season, although skipper Bud Black has said he will let the situation unfold naturally in the coming months.
Harding reports Oberg should be ready to roll for Spring Training and added that he’s been working out in the weight room and throwing with no issues for roughly three to four weeks.
Oberg’s contract will cover the final two years of arbitration and up to two years of free agency.
Oberg will be at the forefront of the Rockies’ bullpen for the next few years as the club looks to get back to the postseason in 2020.
