Neftali Feliz is a “candidate” for the Marlins

Even though the Marlins are zeroing in on Kenley Jansen, that doesn’t mean they don’t have other options in mind to bolster their bullpen. According to MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro, free agent relief pitcher Neftali Feliz is a “candidate” for the Marlins. Miami might not need to look into Feliz if they are able to sign Jansen, but Feliz seems to be the Plan B for Miami if they strike out on Jansen.

Feliz will definitely cost a lot less than Jansen would, as Feliz was paid $3.9 million last season. The 28-year-old right-hander has spent most of his career with the Texas Rangers, but he pitched with the Pittsburgh Pirates last season. Feliz had a decent season in the Pirates bullpen last year, as he posted a 3.52 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP and a 61/21 K/BB ratio in 52 2/3 innings pitched.

Feliz has been many things during his career: a shutdown closer, a set-up man, and a starter. Feliz’s claim to fame came as a closer with the Rangers during their back-to-back World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011. As a rookie in 2010, Feliz was selected to the AL All-Star team, and he set the record for most saves by a rookie with 40.

He would go on to be named AL Rookie of the Year. Feliz would have a 2.74 ERA with 32 saves in the 2011 season. After two seasons of dominance, Feliz would be plagued by injuries. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2012. He would only make six appearances in 2013 because he was still recovering from Tommy John surgery.

By 2015, he had spent an extended amount of time on the DL for the past three seasons, which is why Texas designated him for assignment. Feliz would spend a few months with the Detroit Tigers, before spending this season with Pittsburgh.