Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that the Brewers have agreed to a one-year contract with reliever Neal Cotts. The deal is worth $3 million, per FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.
Cotts didn’t pitch in the majors from 2010-2012 after Tommy John surgery and hip surgeries, but he bounced back with a 2.84 ERA in 131 appearances with the Rangers over the past two seasons. The 34-year-old southpaw wasn’t nearly as effective last year, as his ERA jumped from a stingy 1.11 to 4.32, but he still averaged 8.5 K/9 while appearing in a career-high 73 games. He has actually posted better numbers against right-handed batters than left-handed batters during his career, so he doesn’t exactly fit the mold of a lefty specialist.
The Brewers likely aren’t done adding to their bullpen, as they have been involved in trade talks for Jonathan Papelbon and haven’t ruled out a return for free agent Francisco Rodriguez. As of now, Jonathan Broxton projects as the in-house favorite at closer if they don’t make a move.