The Colorado Rockies introduced their newest acquisition, relief pitcher Bryan Shaw, at Coors Field Friday afternoon. The Rockies officially announced the deal earlier in the day.
The Rockies signed Shaw to a three-year contract valued at about $9 million per season, for a total of $27 million. Shaw, 30, was a member of the Cleveland Indians before signing with Colorado.
Shaw was 4-6 with three saves and an ERA of 3.52 in 79 appearances for the Tribe last season. During his nine seasons as an Indian, Shaw was 21-22 and has been one of the most durable pitchers since his career started in 2011, having appeared in 475 games — the third-most appearances in the league during that span. He is the only pitcher in the sport to have appeared in at least 70 games for five consecutive seasons.
Like in Cleveland, Shaw is expected to be a workhorse as a member of the Rockies. He will be a crucial contributor in the backend of the bullpen, and could potentially dabble in closing games for Colorado.
“For how many years now, watching him during the season and also watching him in the postseason, with a highly successful Cleveland Indians organization, we’ve had a long time to study him.” Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich said. “We are thrilled to be able to welcome him to the Rockies family.”
Bridich and the Rockies were undoubtedly turned on by the durability Shaw has boasted over his career and because of that, they anticipate mixing-and-matching him in different situations.
“I definitely take pride in trying to be available as often as possible and take the ball when I’m able to,” Shaw said. “And to go along with that, you can’t do that unless you have success, and even when you struggle, having the faith of the coaching staff and the manager to put you back out there when you struggle to get you those appearances, it’s definitely big.”
Shaw is joining a Rockies club that is fresh off their first postseason appearance since the 2009 season. Shaw joins the newly re-signed Jake McGee, who was also at the press conference Friday, in addition to Chis Rusin, Adam Ottavino, and Mike Dunn to make up the bulk of Colorado’s bullpen.
The Rockies made perfect sense for Shaw, who lives in Arizona and admitted that location played a role in his decision, because he will be able to slide into the bullpen almost seamlessly on a team that is looking to compete for their first World Series title in franchise history.
“I think there were a lot of different factors,” Shaw said. “The organization as a whole; I know a few guys on the team I’ve played with in the past that really enjoyed this organization. Players that I played with that have left this organization have had nothing but amazing and great things to say about the clubhouse, the city, front office, everything that happens out here — I’ve heard nothing but positive and great things about it.”
