Jonathan Broxton, known for his overpowering fastball, agreed to stay with the Cincinnati Reds after agreeing a three-year, $21 million contract Wednesday.
Broxton joined the Reds last July as a closing pitcher after Aroldis Chapman was out with a shoulder injury. He has a reasonably good record with an 3.10 ERA and 111 saves.
Before playing for the Reds, he was a closer with the Kansas City Royals. In the beginning of his NBA career, he played for the Los Angeles Dodgers from mid-2008 to mid-2010 and polished his skills as an efficient closer.
As per the contract with the Reds, Broxton will get a $4 million base salary in 2013, $7 million in 2014 and $9 million in 2015. There is a provision in the contract, which provides a club option for another year at $9 million with a $1 million buyout.
B.B. Abbott, Broxton's agent discussed a multiyear deal possibility with many teams. Eventually he zeroed in on the Reds.
Broxton did not present any terms for the new deal; he did not even urge them to make him a closing pitcher. He was in favor of a longer contract, so that he could settle down in a place for few years.
"I went into the offseason with an open mind," Broxton said, on a conference call. "I've got experience in both roles. Even if Chapman doesn't work out as a starter, he can come back in and fill in as the closer.
"I'll be happy to throw the eighth (inning). It doesn't matter. You saw what he did last year."
Before this the Reds had signed a two-year deal with their current manager Dusty Baker.
Chapman, the fastest pitcher in Baseball history, was seen as a future starter for the Reds. The plan did not materialize because of the lack of option for a closer. A deal with Broxton means the Reds now do have a dependable closer.
The Reds have informed Chapman that he would be a starter from next season. They could not do so last season, because their closer Ryan Madson tore his pitching elbow.
"Nothing's in stone right now," the Associated Press quoted assistant general manager Bob Miller as saying. "We told (Chapman) before he left to prepare because that's the hardest part -- starter.
"When we talked to Jonathan we said he was going to be at the back end of the bullpen. What happens depends on spring training and how things play out in the offseason."
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