Report: Rockies ink Wade Davis to richest deal for reliever in MLB history

The Colorado Rockies reportedly landed its prize free agent closer on Friday, and at a steep premium.

First reported by Yahoo Sports’ Jeff Passan, the Rockies and closer Wade Davis agreed on a three-year, $52 million contract, netting him the highest per-year salary for a reliever in MLB history.

Source: Wade Davis’ deal with the Rockies is for three years and $52M. It’s the highest per-year salary ever for a relief pitcher.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 29, 2017

Despite an All-Star appearance from closer Greg Holland, the Rockies bullpen falters down the stretch, eventually ranking No. 20 in the MLB in 2017 with a 4.40 staff ERA.

Davis, 32, comes off his third consecutive year as an All-Star — with the Chicago Cubs in 2017 and the Kansas City Royals in 2015 and 2016 — and a career-high 32 saves in 59 appearances, earning a 4-2 record with a 2.30 ERA.

From 2013 to 2015, Davis served alongside Holland with the Royals, anchoring one of the best backends in baseball during the three-year stretch.

The Rockies had reportedly closed in on a deal to bring back Holland — whose 41 saves tied Los Angeles Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen for the most in the National League in 2017 — but nothing had been finalized.

Rockies are closing in on deal to bring Greg Holland back

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 13, 2017

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.

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