Jason Motte, Relief Pitcher


Date of Birth: 6/22/1982
Birthplace: Port Huron, Michigan
College: Iona College

Jason Motte, relief pitcher, was first drafted as a catcher by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2003. He played in the Cardinals' minor league system from 2006 through most of 2008, transitioning to the pitcher position in his first year with the team.

Motte first joined the Cardinals for 12 games in 2008. The following season was his first full season as a relief pitcher in the major leagues. In 2009, he pitched 56.2 innings in 69 games and he had a 4-4 record and a 4.76 ERA. He had a 2.24 ERA in 56 games in 2010.

In 2011, Motte pitched in a career high 78 games. He finished with a 5-2 record, 9 saves, and a 2.25 ERA in 68.0 innings. In the postseason, he was a part-time closer and he had 5 saves. He became the Cardinals' full-time closer in 2012 and he had a very strong season. He led the National League in saves with 42 and he had a 2.75 ERA, 4-5 record, and a career high 86 strikeouts (to 17 walks) in a career high 72.0 innings in 67 games.

Motte had Tommy John surgery in 2013 and he didn't play at all that season. The following year, he was replaced as closer by Trevor Rosenthal. He finished the 2014 season with a 4.68 ERA in 25.0 innings in 29 games.

Motte signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the Chicago Cubs in December, 2014. In 57 games with the Cubs in 2015, he had an 8-1 record, 6 saves, and a 3.91 ERA in 48.1 innings.

Motte signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Colorado Rockies on December 8, 2015. He spent time on the DL in 2016. He finished the season with a career high ERA of 4.94 and 24 strikeouts to 8 walks in 23.2 innings in 30 games.

The Rockies designated Motte for assignment on March 31, 2017, and they released him on April 5th. He signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves on April 11th. He finished the 2017 season with 1 win and no losses, 27 strikeouts to 20 walks, and a 3.54 ERA in 40.2 innings in 46 games.

Motte became a free agent on November 2, 2017. He signed a minor league contract with the Cardinals on February 15, 2018. He was released on March 22nd. He hasn't played professional baseball since 2017.

Career pitching statistics for Motte through 2017 include:

  • 444 games played
  • 397.2 innings pitched
  • 27-15 win-loss record
  • 60 saves
  • 375 strikeouts to 125 walks
  • 3.30 ERA

Charitable Work

Motte and his wife Caitlin started the Jason Motte Foundation to aid people affected by cancer. The foundation also aids in cancer research. More information on the foundation is available at Jason Motte Foundation.

Sources for Information
Wikipedia - Jason Motte
ESPN - Jason Motte