Jake Diekman get 2 years @ 3.5m each, with a third year team option at 4m/1m buyout.
View: https://mobile.twitter.com/ChrisCotillo/status/1503747261540483081
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com
"Diekman is one of the top bullpen arms available on the market. The now-35-year-old was lights out for the A’s during the pandemic-shortened 2020. He appeared in 21 games, posting a microscopic 0.42 ERA/2.72 FIP spanning 21 1/3 innings, numbers-driven at least in part by an uncharacteristically high 61.6 percent groundball rate. For comparison, he posted a 34.8 percent groundball rate last year and owns a 47.9 percent rate in that department for his career.
The 10-year veteran initially came to Oakland mid-season in 2019 in a deal with the Royals that netted KC a pair of minor leaguers. He continued to be effective for the A’s last season, though not quite at the surreal level of 2020. He tossed 60 2/3 innings over 67 outings with a 3.86 ERA/4.46 FIP while notching seven saves and 14 holds. He also blew seven saves."
I knew the name but couldn't remember much about him. Had a great 2020*. Otherwise seems generally good. I definitely don't expect that performance again but hopefully something better than 4.46 FIP that he pitched in '21. Still seems like too much money for guys like him that I wouldn't blink if they were absolute garbage, nor if they were 2007 Papelbon for next season.
I still think the best option is to use the borderline starters in the minors as bullpen arms.
Generally not much $ but all these smaller contracts add up and push the money closer to the threshold. If for some reason the Sox were at $10M below but someone came along and inked Schwarber for $15 per season and the excuse was "oh.... the tax threshold...." I'd be a little peeved. Probably worrying too much.