The Chicago White Sox and Seattle Mariners are taking advantage of the availability of pitchers in free agency as the 2016 MLB season approaches.
According to multiple reports, the White Sox have inked starter Mat Latos to a contract while the Mariners have announced the signing of reliever Joel Peralta.
ESPN's Jerry Crasnick first reported the deal between Chicago and Latos and Dan Hayes of CSN Chicago added the contract was worth $3 million. Latos' market took a big hit after his disastrous 2015 campaign, during which he went 4-10 with a 4.95 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 100 strikeouts in 24 games (21 starts), totaling 116-1/3 innings.
On top of that, there were reports of him being a distraction, which was believed to have played a role in him being designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers in September after he came over in a trade with the Miami Marlins. However, the right-hander possesses talent, and maintained a 3.48 ERA or lower from 2010-2014, so this low-risk deal could prove to be effective for the White Sox.
Then again, Latos, 28, will have some tough competition in spring training since the White Sox have a talented cast of starters.
In Seattle, the Mariners announced the signing of Peralta to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training earlier today.
The @Mariners have signed veteran relief pitcher Joel Peralta to a minor league deal w/an invite to Spring Training: https://t.co/Aebr4Ul2lj
— MarinersPR (@MarinersPR) February 9, 2016
Peralta, who will turn 40 in March, spent the 2015 with the Dodgers after the team acquired him in an offseason trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. The right-hander went 3-1 with a 4.34 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 24 strikeouts and 3 saves in 33 games (29 innings).
In 11 MLB seasons, the veteran owns a 3.94 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 589 games.
If Peralta can make the MLB roster, he'll join the Mariners' new-look bullpen which now consists of Steve Cishek, Joaquin Benoit, Evan Scribner, Justin De Fratus and others.
The Mariners will begin spring training next week when pitchers and catchers report to their team facility.
