Jason Grilli signs 2-year deal to remain a Pirate

The Pirates have their setup man back as Jason Grilli decided to return to the Pirates for a two-year contract worth $6.75 million.

With Grilli back, the Pirates have more flexibility when it comes to trading Joel Hanrahan should they decide to. Grilli and Hanrahan were a very successful duo last season and ensured that in the late innings the Pirates held on to their leads.

The deal is pending a physical and thus the Pirates have not made an official announcement. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports was the first to report the deal.

The signing comes as a relief to Pirates fans after they thought their setup man had returned a week ago but were misinformed.

According to others, Grilli passed down bigger offers, including one from the Toronto Blue Jays, to remain a Pirate. It is clear that Grilli appreciates the team for giving him an opportunity when no one else would. This is clear by his desire to stay in Pittsburgh.

Grilli’s fastball topped out often at 94 miles per hour and the strikeouts showed up, with 90 in 58 2/3 innings. Grilli was 1-6 last season but had 32 holds. His WAR was 0.9 last season and his WHIP was 1.14.