Rockies release Bryan Shaw and Jake McGee

This afternoon, Nick Groke reported that the Rockies have released relief pitchers Bryan Shaw and Jake McGee.

The move comes after a grim stint with the Rockies for both pitchers.

Shaw appeared in 70 games in 2019, the fourth time in his career he has had that many appearances. He finished the season with a 5.38 ERA, surrendering a career-high 12 home runs. He was in his third year of a $27 million dollar deal.

Shaw’s contract included a vesting option for $9 million in 2020 based on appearances.

For McGee, also in the final year of a three-year contract, 2019 was not particularly good. He began the season with a knee injury before appearing in 45 games and earning a 4.35 ERA (120 ERA+). McGee averaged 2.4 home runs allowed per 9 innings. He was inconsistent and was seldom used in high leverage situations by the end of the season.

McGee, too, had a $9 million vesting option that included a $2 million buyout.

Since both players were released, the vesting option no longer applies, and teams may sign them for the prorated minimum of just over $200,000.

Of the original “Super Bullpen,” only Wade Davis remains with the Rockies.

In a Friday afternoon media availability, general manager Jeff Bridich said, “The primary piece of the decision was past performance and expected future performance.” He added, “The last couple of years has been a rough go for both guys in terms of consistency of performance.”

“Their stuff was similar to what we’ve seen the past couple years,” manager Bud Black said. Black sees the pitching staff taking a different track in 2020 and moving forward.

The move opens up an opportunity for new pitchers Daniel Bard, Tim Collins, Philip Diehl, Tyler Kinley, and James Pazos.

Purple Row will continue reporting on this story as more details become available.

This article was updated to include comments from Jeff Bridich and Bud Black and to reflect that both were released, not placed on waivers.