Braves sign former Pirates closer Grilli
The Braves checked off another box on their to-do list Tuesday when they agreed to terms with veteran reliever Jason Grilli on a two-year, $8 million contract with a third-year option.
The former Pirates closer provides another veteran with a lot of late-innings experience for a bullpen that’s been reshaped in recent weeks. The Braves like the entire package that Grilli brings to the mix.
“We like the makeup, attitude and intangibles as well as adding (another power arm) to an already deep pen,” said Braves president of baseball operations John Hart. “He’s a solid add.”
Grilli, who turned 38 in November, had a 4.00 ERA and 12 saves in 62 appearances with the Pirates and Angels in 2014 while totaling 57 strikeouts and 21 walks in 54 innings.
He pitched better after being traded in late June, though his seasonal statistics were off significantly from previous years with Pittsburgh, which included 33 saves in 2013 and 90 strikeouts in 58 2/3 innings in 2012.
Grilli will get $4.25 million in 2015 and $3.5 million in ‘16, with a $3 million option for 2017 that has a $250,000 buyout. The deal won’t be finalized after he completes a physical, likely after baseball’s Christmas break.
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