Pirates sign closer Rivero to 4-year extension
Not everyone is trying to leave the rebuilding Pirates.
Amid a franchise-changing week that has included a pair of blockbuster deals sending away star players -- and a trade demand from another -- Pittsburgh announced Thursday that it has signed closer Felipe Rivero to a four-year, $22.5 million contract extension.
The agreement for the 26-year-old left hander runs through 2021 and includes club options for 2022-23, according to multiple reports.
"We are pleased to make this long-term commitment to Felipe Rivero and are humbled that he has made a long-term commitment to the Pirates organization and our community," general manager Neal Huntington said. "Felipe quickly established himself as one of the best young relief pitchers in Major League Baseball last season and we look forward to working with him to help us win games for potentially the next six seasons."
Rivero is slated to $2.5 million this season, $4 million next year, $5.25 million in 2020 and $7.25 million in 2021. Each club option is $10 million, with team buyout options at $1 million for 2022 and $500,000 for 2023. The deal also includes a $2 million signing bonus.
Rivero essentially gives up his arbitration years in the extension, which could prove crafty by the Pirates. Their closer enjoyed a dominant 2017 season, winning the job in June in his first full season with Pittsburgh as he finished 5-3 with a 1.67 ERA and 21 saves.
The news comes during a tumultuous week for the franchise after the team has already traded ace Gerrit Cole to the Houston Astros and former National League MVP outfielder Andrew McCutchen to the San Francisco Giants. Those moves signaled the Pirates were starting from scratch after several playoff runs in recent years, resulting in a public trade demand by All-Star Josh Harrison.
--Field Level Media
