Boardwalk Empire - 2045.4 - Jaramillo Opts Out

[Joshua Biddle]

Jaramillo Opts Out

Despite four players opting in for the 2045 season, right-handed starting pitcher Pepe Jaramillo has decided to opt out of the remaining two years and $8 million remaining on the three-year, $12.4 million deal signed with the Gamblers in January 2044.

Jaramillo, 34, has pitched to a career 127-135 record with 19 saves in 20 opportunities (.950 success rate), a 4.62 ERA, a 1.35 WHIP, a 4.60 FIP, a .262 opponents' average, a .768 opponents' OPS, 1,655 strikeouts, and a 28.0 WAR in 2,188 1/3 innings pitched (390 appearances, 343 starts). Jaramillo was a stable arm in the Gamblers' rotation in 2044, finishing the season 14-10 with a 4.35 ERA, a 1.25 WHIP, a 4.67 FIP, a .273 opponents' average, a .805 opponents' OPS, 119 strikeouts, and a 1.5 WAR in 194 2/3 innings pitched (30 starts). Jaramillo outperformed fellow free agent Scotty Pendleton, who has opted to stay in Atlantic City for the 2045 season.

The decision has drawn notable criticism around the BBA, with many questioning the logic of his decision.

It remains to be seen if Atlantic City will make a play to retain Jaramillo. The initial plan out of Atlantic City continues to be that Carlos Flores will move from the bullpen to the rotation, and he appears to be ace-caliber. Pendleton and Augusto Morán also figure to remain rotation pieces, with the latter progressing well after undergoing radial nerve decompression surgery in June 2044 that ended his season prematurely. It's unclear if Thiongo Amir will retain a rotation spot after a Johnson League leading 20 loss campaign last season.

"We were somewhat surprised by the decision," said assistant general manager Preston King, "but we certainly wish him well with whatever the future may hold".