The Rockies insisted on being right-handed Nick Mears Off the waiver from the Rangers, the team announced Friday.Texas designated Mears for assignment earlier in the week to open up a roster spot for newly signed players Nathan EvaldiColorado had two open spots on their 40-man roster, so no corresponding move is required. Their 40-man roster is now 39 players.
Mears, 26, has spent his entire professional career with the Pirates Organization until this offseason. He’s starting to bounce around the DFA circuit a bit, seeking waivers from Pittsburgh to Texas to Colorado. The 6-foot-2-inch right-hander is averaging 96 mph with the Heaters, but at MLB level he’s trailed a 4.75 ERA in 30 1/3 innings as far back as 2020.
Mears’ career 9.5 K/9 in the majors looks tempting, but it’s a good example of why his strikeout rate is better than K/9. Mears walks so many hitters (14.9%) that his overall strikeout rate is actually below his 22.7% league average for relief pitchers. Mears throws hard but has strong numbers up to double-A level, leaving his league options in the minors. 40 person roster.
At least four bullpen spots are blocked in the Rocky Mountains. Daniel Byrd signed until 2024, Pierce Johnson (signed early this offseason), Brent Suter (claimed by Brewers) and Dinelson Rammett Excludes options for minors.Lighty Justin Lawrence He’s also out of the minor league options, but given his struggles over the past few seasons, he can’t be considered a rock to break camp with the club in 2023.
