The Colorado Rockies have agreed to deals with right-handed relievers Jason Motte and Chad Qualls, according to a club announcement on Tuesday morning.
According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the Rockies are said to give Qualls a two-year deal worth $6 million.
As for Motte, it is reported that he will also recieve a two year contract from the club at a total of $10 million.
This addition brings a pair of veterans to the city of Denver who will look to bolster the team's bullpen. This is after Canadian right-hander John Axford was non-tendered and LaTroy Hawkins retired after many seasons at the big league level.
Qualls spent 2015 with the Houston Astros after signing a deal with the club last year. Over that period of time, Qualls was a part of a very strong Houston bullpen. However, he could have been considered the weak link with a 4.38 ERA. The Astros did not pick up his $3.5 million option for the upcoming season.
Motte has been on and off the diamond with injuries over the years, his most recent of which was Tommy John surgery which sidelined him for a bigger portion of the 2014 season. At that time, he was with the St. Louis Cardinals prior to making a return in this past season with the Chicago Cubs. At Wrigley Field, he was placed in the setup role where he pitched with an ERA of 3.91 in 48 1/3 pitched. He gave up 21 runs on 48 hits, 4 of which were home runs.
The 33-year-old righty has proven that he is capable of throwing the ball hard and throwing effectively, as his fastball currently averages 95 on the radar gun. He can pitch to specified locations as asked and looks to continue that success in his first full season of health, dating back to 2013 with the Cubs.