The first noteworthy free agent reliever appears to be off the market and he's set the bar for contracts for bullpen arms.
Left-handed pitcher Brett Cecil has reportedly agreed to a four-year deal with the Cardinals worth an estimated $30.5 million.
News of the deal was first reported by Yahoo Sports. The exact value of the deal was later confirmed by Fox Sports.
Cecil, who spent his entire eight-year career with the Blue Jays, is coming off a season in which he posted a 3.93 ERA and struck out 45 batters in 54 relief appearances. Over 330 career games, Cecil has a 4.20 ERA.
Drafted in the first round of the 2007 MLB Draft by Toronto as a starting pitcher, Cecil transitioned to the bullpen after three subpar seasons in the Blue Jays' rotation. In his first season as a full-fledged reliever, Cecil was named to the 2013 AL All-Star team.
Left-handed RP Brett Cecil agrees to a deal with the Cardinals, per team source, pending a physical. Deal for four years, may exceed $30M.— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 19, 2016
Sports
Source confirms: Cecil to #STLCards, four years, $30.5M. Pending a physical. First reported: @jeffpassan.— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 19, 2016
