Cincinnati Reds' Jonathan Broxton happy over the contract – MLB News
Cincinnati Reds' reliever Jonathan Broxton has expressed his happiness over the contract he reached with the club on Wednesday, November 28. The three-year $21 million contract with a $9 million club option for 2016 has somewhat cleared the fog of uncertainty hanging for quite a while now.
The Reds had to finalise the deal so as to make the next move. The club has for long considered using Aroldis Chapman in the rotation. Signing the contract with Broxton is the first step towards that direction.
But above all, it was a happy moment for Broxton as well. He was acquired through a trade this year on July 31 from Kansas City Royals. His above-average sliders, his overpowering fastballs place him among the best relief pitchers out there.
"Last year when I got traded, it was to a great team. I had a lot of fun there," Broxton said. "There were a lot of young guys that can really do something in the future. And the Reds were really aggressive with me in the offseason. I loved it there when I was there. It helped out that I had some experience there when I was with them."
The Reds are intent upon using Broxton as a closer. He will be happy if used as setup pitcher as well. Fine-tuning his skills this past season, he proved an apt choice in that role, being a helping hand for Aroldis Chapman who went to have 38 saves in 43 chances.
"I will be happy to go to the eighth. It doesn't matter to me," Broxton said. "You saw what he did last year. He's electric. It's up to Dusty and the ownership what they want to do with him. It's not in my hands."
For Broxton, what remains important is team’s victories. Whatever role he is assigned, he is not only prepared to execute it, but to do it with perfection. Having had 60 appearances this past season, he had 2.48 ERA with 27 saves to his credit and 45 strike-outs.
With the materialisation of this contract, the Reds are now considering the next move to make.
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