Feliz and the Texas Rangers Agree to One-Year Multi-Million Dollar Deal

The closer has closed in on a new contract…

Neftalí Feliz and the Texas Rangers have avoided salary arbitration after both sides agreed to a one-year deal worth $4.125 million.

Neftalí Feliz

The 26-year-old Dominican right-handed pitcher, who earned $3 million last season, regained the closer’s role after the team traded Joakim Soria to Detroit in July.

Feliz picked up 13 saves and posted a 1.99 ERA while making 30 relief appearances after recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Feliz ranks fourth in franchise history with 87 saves. Opponents have hit only .179 against him, the lowest mark in club history among pitchers with at least 200 innings.

There were questions regarding Feliz’s velocity when he regained the closer’s spot, but as the season progressed his fastball — his primary pitch — reached the upper 90s.

Club officials said during this offseason that they had no problem giving Feliz the closer’s role back, considering his velocity became more consistent and he was able to finish games.

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