| The Astros made two very important editions to their roster today. They signed relievers Pat Neshek and Luke Gregerson. The Astros needed bullpen help desperately. The Astros bullpen hasn't finished last in both of the past two years. Neshek and Gregerson should help them out a lot. Luke Gregerson pitched for the Athletics last year and earned a 1.7 WAR. He has now signed with the Astros for the next three years earning a total of at least $18.5 million. Gregerson will most likely be the Astros closer for 2015, a large improvement over 36 year old Chad Qualls. |
Pat Neshek is perhaps a much better pitcher than Gregerson and could help the Astros improve for the future. Neshek's new contract is worth $12.5 million over 2 years. With the lowest payroll in the majors the Astros have to get by paying players small contracts for top quality performance. The Astros have found an undervalued reliever that easily fits their budget. Neshek's 2.3 WAR in 2014 was 14th among all relievers. The MLB average salary per WAR point is $5.4 million, which makes Neshek worth at least $12.4 million a year*. The average reliever in fact is paid $16.4 million per WAR making him worth $37.7 million a year*. Although I do not think Neshek deserves anywhere near $37 million his $6.25 million average on the two year contract he just received is an exceptional bargain for the Astros.
* According to the article by FanGraph's Matt Swartz.
* According to the article by FanGraph's Matt Swartz.