Mariners sign RHP Nicasio to two-year deal

Dec 20, 2017 - 7:33 PM The Seattle Mariners signed free-agent right-handed relief pitcher Juan Nicasio to a two-year contract, the team announced Wednesday.

Financial terms were not disclosed by the team, but the Seattle Times reported the deal was for a total of $17 million.

Nicasio, 31, pitched in a career-high 76 games in 2017 with three different teams -- Pittsburgh (65), Philadelphia (two) and St. Louis (nine) -- finishing with a combined 5-5 record, six saves and a 2.61 ERA.

Overall, he tied for the National League lead in appearances, was tied for ninth in holds (21), 12th in WHIP (1.08) and 14th in ERA (2.61). His eighth inning ERA of 1.69 was the fourth lowest of any pitcher in 2017 with a minimum of 30 innings.

"Juan adds a versatile late-game presence to our bullpen," said Jerry Dipoto, Mariners executive vice president and general manager of baseball pperations. "His ability to work multiple innings in high-leverage situations gives our staff tremendous flexibility."

Nicasio pitched on consecutive days 19 times last season and made 10 appearances of four outs or more. In seven seasons with Colorado (2011-14), the Los Angeles Dodgers (2015), Pittsburgh (2016-17), Philadelphia (2017) and St. Louis (2017), he has combined record of 37-37 with seven saves and a 4.55 ERA.