Pirates Sign Jeff Karstens to One-Year Contract
After non-tendering pitcher Jeff Karstens earlier this offseason, the Pirates reacquired their longest-tenured player Monday to help shore up the final spots in the rotation.
The deal is believed to be worth $2.5 million as reported by Bill Brink at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Karstens was set to receive a raise through arbitration that likely would have doubled the $2.5 million number the Pirates were able to sign him for. Injuries have plagued Karstens, but when healthy he’s been a reliable arm in both the bullpen and rotation.
In 82 starts with the Pirates since 2008, Karstens has compiled a 23-35 record. He’s 26-40 for his career with a 4.44 ERA and .277 BAA.
As it stands, the rotation will include James McDonald, A.J. Burnett, Wandy Rodriguez and Karstens.
The fifth spot is still to be filled, and was originally set to be taken by free agent Francisco Liriano. Liriano has struggled with injuries and inconsistency in the last few seasons and his deal was put on hold after a team physical found an injury to his non-throwing arm.
The Liriano deal isn’t officially dead, but if it ever happens it’s certainly not off to a good start. Should it fall through entirely, expect Charlie Morton, Jeff Locke and Kyle McPherson to battle for the fifth spot.
About the Author
James Conley is the owner of Slew Footers. A Pitt grad and freelance writer, James also contributes to the Yahoo! Contributor Network, Baseball News Source and SB Nation's Pensburgh.
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