Brewers trying to close deal with Feliz
The Milwaukee Brewers, on the hunt since early December for an experienced late-inning reliever with closing experience, were working Saturday to reach an agreement with free agent Neftali Feliz, a source confirmed.
Word leaked early in the day out of the Dominican Republic that Feliz was expected to sign with the Brewers. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman later reported the Brewers had emerged from a pack of suitors and were nearing a deal with Feliz.
Brewers general manager David Stearns declined to comment, but Feliz perfectly fits the kind of bullpen help he has been seeking – an established reliever with a background as a successful closer.
The Brewers began pursuing late-inning help after trading closer Tyler Thornburg to Boston at the winter meetings in early December, a deal that netted third baseman Travis Shaw and two prospects. Thornburg took over closing duties after Jeremy Jeffress was traded with catcher Jonathan Lucroy to Texas on Aug. 1, the same day left-handed setup man Will Smith was dealt to San Francisco.
Feliz, who will be 29 in May, once threw 100 mph and was one of the top closers in the game. He compiled 40 saves with Texas in 2010 at age 22, earning American League rookie of the year honors.
Feliz had another big season for the Rangers in 2011 with 32 saves and a 2.74 ERA in 64 appearances. But he blew a save against St. Louis in Game 6 of the World Series while one strike away from the crown, surrendering a two-run triple to David Freese in the bottom of the ninth. The Cardinals won in 11 innings and then captured Game 7 to stun the Rangers.
With Feliz’s confidence as a closer damaged, the Rangers tried to convert him to starting in 2012 but he blew out his elbow and underwent Tommy John reconstructive surgery on Aug. 1 of that season. He pitched in only six games in 2013 and returned to late-inning relief in a shortened 2014 campaign, posting a 1.99 ERA with 13 saves in 30 appearances.
Feliz struggled in 2015 and was designated for assignment by Texas at midseason after posting a 4.58 ERA in 18 appearances and losing the closer’s role. He refused a minor-league assignment and became a free agent, signing with Detroit.
Feliz continued to struggle with the Tigers, resulting in a 7.62 ERA in 30 appearances. He signed with Pittsburgh after that season and performed well in 2016 in a setup role, going 4-2 with a 3.52 ERA and two saves in 62 games. He exited a Sept. 3 game against the Brewers at PNC Park with arm discomfort and did not pitch again.
Neither Feliz nor the Pirates provided details about that arm issue but it was not believed to be structural in nature. With that backdrop as well as the earlier Tommy John surgery, passing a physical exam would be an important part of any deal with Feliz.