Reliever Roberto Hernandez and the Pittsburgh Pirates agreed
Friday to a $2.75 million, one-year contract.
The deal was finalized on Thursday after he passed a physical.
The 41-year-old right-hander had an outstanding season for the
New York Mets, going 8-6 with a 2.58 ERA and four saves in 67
games.
This offseason, the Pirates lost their closer for the past
two years, Jose Mesa. The 39-year-old right-hander, who had 27
saves in his second season with Pittsburgh, agreed to a $2.5
million, one-year contract with the Colorado Rockies.
Pittsburgh has added other pitchers to its bullpen, agreeing to
minor-league contracts with left-hander C.J. Nitkowski and
right-hander Scott Strickland.
Also Friday, Pittsburgh introduced first baseman Sean Casey,
acquired at the winter meetings this week from the Cincinnati Reds
for left-handed starter Dave Williams.
Pittsburgh general manager Dave Littlefield set offseason goals
of upgrading first base, third base, right field and right-handed
relief.