Mariners agree to $1.6 million deal with Yoshihisa Hirano
3B Pablo Sandoval returning to Giants on minor league deal
SAN FRANCISCO – Kung Fu Panda is back with the San Francisco Giants.
Pablo Sandoval agreed to a minor league contact with the Giants and would get a $2 million, one-year deal if added to the 40-man roster.
The 2012 World Series MVP, who pondered the idea last summer that his time with San Francisco could be over, would have the chance to earn $750,000 in performance bonuses.
The 33-year-old is working back from season-ending Tommy John reconstructive surgery on his right elbow in early September. Dr. Neal Elattrache in Los Angeles determined Sandoval needed the procedure on his ulnar collateral ligament, and the third baseman has said he is determined to come back even stronger in 2020.
The progress and health status of the switch-hitter will be more clear come spring training next month. Pitchers and catchers report to Scottsdale Stadium
in Arizona on Feb. 11.
Sandoval made a comeback with the Giants in 2017 after his release by the Red Sox, and he was used in various roles by now-retired manager Bruce Bochy. Sandoval batted .268 with 14 homers and 41 RBIS in 108 games.
David Phelps, Brewers finalize $1.5 million, 1-year deal
MILWAUKEE – Free agent pitcher David Phelps and the Milwaukee Brewers finalized a one-year contract on Thursday that guarantees $1.5 million and includes a club option for 2021.
Phelps gets a $1.25 million salary this year, and Milwaukee's option is for $4.5 million with a $250,000 buyout.
He can earn $1.9 million in each year in bonuses for pitching appearances: $175,000 for 35, $200,000 for 40, $225,000 for 45, $250,000 for 50, $300,000 for 55, $350,000 for 60 and $400,000 for 65. The 33-year-old righthander was 2-1 with one save and a 3.41 ERA in 41 games for Toronto and Cubs last season. The reliever was traded by the Blue Jays to Chicago in late July.
Phelps missed the 2018 season because of Tommy John surgery after injuring his elbow in spring training. He is 32-34 with six saves and a 3.86 ERA in seven seasons with the New York Yankees, Miami, Seattle, Toronto and the Cubs. Milwaukee designated right-hander Deolis Guerra for assignment. The 30-year-old Guerra pitched in one game for Milwaukee last season, and previously played for the Pittsburgh and the Angels.
SEATTLE – The Mariners added a veteran arm to their bullpen Thursday, agreeing to a $1.6 million, one-year contract with Yoshihisa Hirano.
Hirano has spent the past two seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, appearing in 137 games with a 3.47 ERA. Hirano was very good in 2018 when he struck out 69 batters in 66 1/3 innings and allowed just 18 earned runs. He struggled last season while appearing in 62 games. He had a 4.75 ERA and issued 22 walks in 53 innings.
Before joining the Diamondbacks, the 35-year-old Hirano spent 11 seasons pitching in Japan for Orix of Japan's Pacific League.
“We believe his combination of experience and bat-missing ability brings needed stability to our bullpen,” Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto said in a statement.
Hirano can earn $500,000 in bonuses based on pitching appearances: $50,000 each for 30 and 35, $75,000 apiece for 45 and 50, $100,000 for 55 and $150,000 for 60.
He also can get $450,000 in bonuses for games finished: $50,000 for 20, $75,000 apiece for 25 and 30, $100,000 for 35 and $150,000 for 40.
Hirano would receive a $250,000 assignment bonus each time he is traded but not if he is claimed on waivers, the money payable by the new team.
— Wire services