According to MLB Network, free agent reliever Tony Sipp will be heading back to Houston and has agreed to a deal with the Astros. No contract details were disclosed, and the deal is pending a physical. I’m sure Johnny-On-The-Spot Heyman will announce details soon.
Update: Ken Rosenthal reports it’s a three-year, $18 million deal.
Sipp has long been an effective major league reliever, pitching for the Cleveland Indians and Arizona Diamondbacks, before really coming into his own in the last two seasons for the Houston Astros. Pitching since 2009, he has a career 21-16 record with a 3.50 ERA and 1.201 WHIP in 363.0 innings, striking out 392 batters and walking 165 (9.7 K/9 and 4.1 BB/9).
Last season, was by far his best, posting a 3-4 record with a pristine 1.99 ERA and 1.010 WHIP. Sipp exhibited an improved K/9 (10.3) and a much improved BB/9 (2.5) in 54.1 innings, sporting a 2.93 FIP.
Sipp, 32, had been considered a target for the Mets who are seeking to add a setup-type reliever and lefty specialist.
Beat ya! Take that MLBTR…. 🙂
