In their first free agent signing of the offseason, the San Francisco Giants have retained one of their longtime relievers. In the American League, Cleveland Indians' second baseman Jason Kipnis had an injury tended to on Tuesday.
Right-hander Sergio Romo is returning to the Giants on a two-year, $15 million contract, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Romo was garnering interest from other teams as early as last week, which likely put pressure on the Giants to avoid losing yet another free agent. The New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers - three teams in need of an established reliever - were said to be going after Romo.
Although he's no longer the Giants' closer ever since being replaced by Santiago Casilla in the middle of the season, Romo will earn an average annual salary of $7.5 million to likely be the setup man. The right-hander has been a successful and consistent reliever in his seven MLB seasons, compiling a 31-21 record with a 2.51 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 78 saves and 394 strikeouts in 405 games (351 2/3 innings). The 31-year-old also owns a 2.11 ERA and 0.84 WHIP in 21 1/3 innings in the postseason with the Giants, which have resulted in three World Series championships.
Moving out of the bullpen, second baseman Jason Kipnis of the Cleveland Indians reportedly injured his left ring finger while working out in his home recently. He apparently suffered an "extensor tendon" injury, according to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, and underwent surgery to repair the finger on Tuesday. Dr. Thomas Graham of the Cleveland Clinic performed Kipnis' surgery and the second baseman is expected to be ready for Opening Day.
Kipnis signed a six-year, $52.5 million extension after an All-Star campaign in 2013 during which he slashed .284/.366/.452/.818 with 17 home runs, 84 RBIs and 30 stolen bases. However, the 27-year-old was hampered by oblique and hamstring injuries this season and his performance suffered significantly. He batted just .240 with six home runs and 41 RBIs in 129 games.
The Indians have made a couple solid offseason moves, trading for first baseman/outfielder Brandon Moss and signing starter Gavin Floyd. Cleveland missed the postseason by just three games and look to rebound in the competitive AL Central in 2015.
