With a variety of top closers now off the market, teams hunting for relievers this January can choose from a number of somewhat less expensive targets. One of the best of those is righty Neftali Feliz, who’s available after a solid season with the Pirates.
Pros/Strengths
At just 28, Feliz is young and has a solid recent performance record, a rare combination of traits on the free agent market. Last season, Feliz significantly boosted his status after joining Pittsburgh’s pitching factory, posting a 3.52 ERA, 10.2 K/9 and 3.5 BB/9, all solid numbers worthy of late-inning work. He also threw harder than he had in years, with his 96.1 MPH average fastball velocity ranking as his best since 2011, the year before he moved into the Rangers’ rotation and then had an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery. And that very high MPH figure might actually understate Feliz’s future potential to throw gas, since his velocity increased throughout last season, averaging closer to 98 MPH by year’s end.
Also, while it’s been a long time since Feliz pitched a full season as a closer, he has 99 career saves and could conceivably be a closing option for a rebuilding team that has an opportunity available. The right situation could be a boon for both Feliz and for his new team. Feliz could later market himself as a closer and is certainly young enough and talented enough to get another multi-year deal after his next contract is over. And his new team could get a short-term option at closer and the opportunity to deal him before their contract with him expires.
Cons/Weaknesses
Feliz has a lengthy medical history that includes not only Tommy John surgery in 2012, but also arm soreness in 2014 and an abscess in his side in 2015. He also missed time late in the 2016 season to arm discomfort. He failed to reestablish his velocity for several years after Tommy John and had limited success in 2014 and 2015, resulting in his being designated for assignment by the Rangers and non-tendered by the Tigers.
Of course, it’s normal for a player to struggle somewhat as he attempts to return from Tommy John surgery. But even in 2016, when Feliz appeared to be fully healthy until September, there were a few speed bumps. Feliz allowed his fair share of fly balls, resulting in ten home runs allowed over 53 2/3 innings. That ten-homer total reflected a very high HR/FB% of 19.2%, and that’s likely to come down in 2017. But Feliz’s home run tendencies (probably partially a result of his heavy dependence on his four-seam fastball, as well as his unspectacular command) might mean he’s not a great fit in a homer-friendly ballpark — although, of course, he did just fine for several seasons in homer-happy Arlington.
Background
Feliz signed with the Braves out of Azua, Dominican Republic in 2005, then headed to the Rangers in 2007 in the Mark Teixeira deal. He won the AL Rookie of the Year award in 2010. His wife, Karina, gave birth to a daughter, Nerali, in 2010. His second child, Neftali Jr., was born in 2015.
Market
Feliz’s market has been somewhat quiet thus far, although that isn’t necessarily a surprise — through the first two weeks of December, the relief market revolved around elite closers like Aroldis Chapman, Mark Melancon and Kenley Jansen. It’s been less than three weeks since Jansen (the last of that group remaining on the market) came to terms, and the holiday season likely slowed activity during some of that time. It emerged last month that the Marlins viewed Feliz as something of a backup plan if they couldn’t land Jansen; they ultimately signed a very different type of reliever, Brad Ziegler, instead, but the way they saw Feliz might say something about the way he’s valued throughout the industry. A month ago, Feliz was also connected to the Nationals, a match that still makes a degree of sense. Any number of other teams could also enter the fray given the right price, since Feliz could conceivably be used in a variety of roles. The Pirates’ signing of Daniel Hudson, as well as the significant commitment Feliz might require, make a return to Pittsburgh unlikely.
Expected contract
MLBTR predicts Feliz’s status as one of the better setup men available this winter will help the BTI Sports client land a three-year, $18MM deal.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Hey Astros, you gave 3/18m to Tony friggin’ Sipp, so how about you give it to a guy who will most likely be worth it! Luhnow, I know you’re reading this, so I am giving you my blessing to sign him and strengthen the bullpen. Thy blessing hath been given.
The deal would be done if only he was a lefty!
Would be nice if he would return to the Rangers.
I’ve always really appreciated Feliz. The Rangers biggest need isn’t the bullpen right now. Although I wouldn’t mind seeing him back in a Rangers uniform. Won’t likely happen though.
Twins should take a shot. Perkins is good but also has health concerns.
1 strike away! I could only imagine on how it has plagued his mental game. Wishing him nothing but the best and a long career. #rangersfanforlife #nevereverquit
Seems like feliz’ market is very similar to greg holland’s where half the teams in the league should be interested. Can be used on a rebuilding club as the closer to keep arb prices of younger arms down or on a contender with an established closer as a highly useful setup man.
Perez getting a 3 year deal is highly unlikely. How many teams has this guy played for in the last 5 years? Wouldn’t you believe one of them would try to resign him if he showed signs of becoming a productive player on a consistent basis? Radar readings are meaningless if you don’t have command. This guy has physical and mental issues and I can’t see a team giving him three years with his Shakey track record.
He’s played with Texas, Detroit, and Pitt. Is that supposed to be a lot of teams?
Couldn’t the dodgers use him and try to do with what they did with Blanton?
Would be a good candidate, but the Dodgers are looking at relievers who they can get on 1 year deals. Would love him as a set up guy for 1 year on the Dodgers. After Brandon League, I think they’re hesitant to sign bp arms to lengthy contracts.
Reds on a one or two year deal maybe ?
I’m a Reds fan and that’s what I’m hoping for.
I’m amazed he’s only 28. Feels like he’s been around forever. He feels like more of a setup type rather than a shutdown closer, but lets face it, collecting saves is purely by whim of a manager.
Kinda dumb idea but what if phillies sign him, then trade one of their current bullpen arms for Bruce. Then at deadline they can ship out Bruce (gaudy numbers due to hitter friendly park) and Feliz to a contender or two and bring back a decent haul of prospects.
The phillies should definitely be in on Feliz, they already have a trade partner in the Nats who will inevitably be looking for bullpen help come July
If you understand that Jay Bruce is putting up gaudy numbers because of a hitters park, don’t you think front offices would also realize this?
The Padres make a ton of sense, especially with Capps being out until around the all-star break. You can put Feliz in the 8th or flip flip him with Maurer & allow him to close, either way he would be a very logical addition to a team that has made a habit of acquiring late inning arms, improving their numbers at Petco & flipping them for far more than what they originally cost.
A bullpen consisting of Maurer, Feliz, Capps, Buchter, Hand, Stammen & the rule 5 hard-thrower Miguel Diaz. Not too shabby.
The starting 5 on the other hand… Oh brother
Yeah. The Padres are going to be really really bad this season.
Would be nice to see him sign back with Pittsburgh since Watson might be dealt at the Trade Deadline. He can easily step into a setup role with potential to close games out when needed. He has the the arm and 98 MPH fast ball that the Pirates like to have in their pen. Maybe it is because he hangs the ball a bit too much is why he hasn’t been signed yet. Good candidate to have on any team
I’d like the Mets to take a flyer on him…2yr. Of course, with their owners they probably don’t want to spend money on more printer paper/office supplies until they move Jay Bruce.