Left-hander Tony Sipp is seeking a three-year contract in the Zach Duke/Boone Logan mold, reports ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick (via Twitter). That means he’ll be eyeing an average annual value between $5MM and $5.5MM as he looks to find a new home this winter.
Sipp, 32, enjoyed his finest season as a Major Leaguer in 2015, working to a 1.99 ERA with 10.3 K/9, 2.5 BB/9 and a 38.8 percent ground-ball rate in 54 1/3 innings. Sipp was dominant against left-handed batters, holding them to a .227/.290/.309 batting line, but he also exhibited dominance over right-handed batters as well. Even hitters who held the platoon advantage over Sipp mustered a paltry .190/.243/.370 slash.
Sipp has somewhat quietly enjoyed a brilliant two-year stretch working out of the Houston bullpen, and he’s averaged better than 10 strikeouts per nine innings in three consecutive seasons now. While he doesn’t immediately jump out as a household name for fans, he’s among the best left-handed options (perhaps the best) on the market this year. His primary competition for that three-year deal is probably Antonio Bastardo, though it’s of course possible that both players could receive such a pact.
To this point, Sipp has been connected to a fair number of teams, including the Orioles, Astros and Royals. Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN recently tweeted that Sipp is also on the Twins’ radar. Minnesota’s need for a left-handed reliever is glaring, as the lone proven option in manager Paul Molitor’s bullpen is closer Glen Perkins, who is coming off a pair of injury-shortened seasons.
Sipp needs to stay in Houston, he’s comfortable and successful there and he gels with his team. Face it he has a great chance of going to the post season there also!
I like how you say “he’s comfortable and he gels with his team” like you know him personally and are in the locker room before and after every game and also on the plane or bus traveling with him. Way to go
Are the A’s in on Sipp at all? Should be, this guy is a lock down reliever.
Jays should sign him! Hopefully not too pricey though!
Love to have him on the Jays! He fits the 5 or so million left they have to spend. If Loup steps up they will have 3 great left handed relievers.
hope he stays in Houston.Then hope they get either Soren or Miller. HOPE
Come on detroit, perfect fit
Terry Ryan better do something
^ yes I agree the Pohlad’s told him to be more aggressive this offseason which he hasn’t other than Park.
Damn right he should. 3 years/$17 million would be good.
Disappointed that Detroit hasn’t been connected to him.