Marlins to sign reliever Romo to one-year deal

One day before pitchers and catchers report to Jupiter, Fla., the Miami Marlins are adding a veteran arm to the bullpen.

Miami has agreed to a one-year contract with reliever Sergio Romo, according to multiple reports. The deal — pending a physical — will pay the right-hander $2.5 million plus incentives, according to MLB.com.

An 11-year veteran, Romo has spent the past two seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays. Last year, he made 73 appearances, posting a 4.14 ERA in 671/3 innings. Romo, 35, was 25 for 33 in save opportunities. The Rays also used him five times as an opener.

Romo spent the first nine years of his career with San Francisco, winning three World Series titles (2010, 2012, 2014). As the closer in 2012, Romo was 3 for 3 in save opportunities during the World Series, pitching three perfect innings. During his Giants career, Romo recorded a 2.58 ERA with 84 saves and 498 strikeouts to 89 walks.

The right-hander's numbers have increased the past two seasons, posting ERAs of 3.56 and 4.14 with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays, respectively.

Romo relies on four pitches — primarily his slider, which he threw 58 percent of the time in 2018. The reliever also utilizes a sinker (15.5 percent), four-seamer (14.5 percent) and change-up (12 percent).

Romo's addition gives the Marlins a much-needed veteran in the bullpen. While Drew Steckenrider, Adam Conley and Tayron Guerrero are likely locks to make the Opening Day roster, Miami has plenty of competition for the other spots.

Returners Jarlin Garcia, Elieser Hernandez, Tyler Kinley and Merandy Gonzalez, along with newcomers Riley Ferrell, Julian Fernandez, Nick Anderson and Austin Brice will battle for the remaining openings.