Marlins Sign Key Lefty To Extension

The Miami Marlins have signed a key bullpen piece to a two-year, $6M deal. Left-hander Richard Bleier is heading into his 3rd season with the club.

Miami Marlins RP Richard Bleier’s 2 year contract extension per source.

2022 - $2,250,000
2023 - $3,500,000
Club option 2024 for $3,750,000 or $250,000 buyout.

— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) March 22, 2022

As reported by Marlins insider Craig Mish, the extension pays the soon-to-be 35-year-old $2.25M in 2022, followed by $3.5M in 2023. There's a club option in 2024.

The Miami-born Bleier has posted an impressive 2.89 ERA over 2020 and 2021 with the Fish, to go along with an equally-impressive 1.03 WHIP. He doesn't induce many strikeouts, but he also is extremely averse to issuing a walk. In 71.2 innings for the Marlins, he's issued just 10 bases on balls against 51 strikeouts. 

Overall, he's spent six years in the majors, and has made a living out of inducing groundballs. He owns a career 2.96 ERA. 

“It's a rewarding experience, especially in my situation,” Bleier said. “Not too many guys sign their first full-year free-agent deal at age 35. So it's been quite a journey.” The contract actually avoids an arbitration hearing that had been set for Tuesday. 

Bleier will return to the valuable middle relief role he's been serving for the Marlins. 

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