The Pittsburgh Pirates today signed left-handed pitcher Felipe Rivero to a four-year contract (2018-2021) with club options for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. The announcement was made by Executive Vice President, General Manager Neal Huntington.
The 26-year-old Rivero went 5-3 with 21 saves, a 1.67 ERA (75.1ip/14er) and 88 strikeouts in 73 appearances in his first full season with the Pirates in 2017.
"We are pleased to make this long-term commitment to Felipe Rivero and are humbled that he has made a longterm commitment to the Pirates organization and our community," said Huntington. "Felipe quickly established himself as one of the best young relief pitchers in Major League Baseball last season and we look forward to working with him to help us win games for potentially the next six seasons."
Rivero's 21 saves in 2017 were the second-most in a single season by a left-handed pitcher in club history, trailing only Mike Gonzalez' 24 saves in 2006. His 88 strikeouts were also the second-most by all National League southpaw relievers, trailing only San Diego's Brad Hand (104). Rivero also finished the 2017 campaign with five multi-inning saves, which was the most by a Pirates pitcher since Julian Tavarez recorded seven in 2003.
Since being acquired by Pittsburgh on July 30, 2016, Rivero has gone 6-6 with 21 saves, a 2.10 ERA, 127 strikeouts and .185 batting average against in 101 games.