:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/52750855/usa_today_9269974.0.jpg)
The Brewers have been looking for a late-inning reliever ever since they traded Tyler Thornburg to Boston during the Winter Meetings. It looks like they may be getting close to a deal with former Ranger and Pirate Neftali Feliz.
The buzz started with a couple of rumors tweeted by unverified sources (h/t to Jim Goulart of Brewerfan.net for the good eye to spot these):
@Haudricourt friend of mine who works for Frisco Rough Riders just text me and said @Brewers getting Neftali Feliz. Any truth to this?
— Stache Face (@1_squashing_u) January 14, 2017
Rumor nos dice que nuestro azuano Neftali Feliz tiene un pie en los cerveceros y que es por 6.5 #MLB @JLMendoza_ @antoniopuesan @hgomez27
— silfredo melo (@silfredomelo) January 14, 2017
For those who haven't been in Spanish class for awhile, the second roughly translates to Feliz having a one-year, $6.5 million deal with the Brewers.
As the day has progressed, more reputable sources are chiming in on the connection.
Developing: The Milwaukee #Brewers are working toward a deal with RHP Neftali Feliz, he would make around $6M #MLB @JonHeyman
— Mibelt Rodriguez (@MibeltRodriguez) January 14, 2017
neftali feliz is getting close to a deal. brewers are among teams in the mix. @MibeltRodriguez suggested could be crew
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 14, 2017
Brewers beat writers haven't said much on the topic, but that’s because they're working to confirm the interest or a pending deal.
Working to confirm this. Feliz certainly fits the type of player Brewers have been seeking to sign. https://t.co/jeF212J91h
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) January 14, 2017
Heyman says a deal is indeed close.
Neftali Feliz is indeed nearing a deal with brewers
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 14, 2017
We wrote up Feliz as a possible free agent target for the Brewers earlier this winter. A former Top 10 prospect in all of baseball, Feliz has had a long road back from Tommy John surgery, resurrecting his career last season in the Bucs' bullpen. He made $3.9 million last year, putting up a 3.52 ERA in 53.2 innings with a 10.23 K/9 and 28% K%, but he still walked 3.5 batters every 9 innings.
Stay tuned for more details as they come in.
Statistics courtesy of FanGraphs