The Pittsburgh Pirates have made their first major move of the Winter Meetings as they are finalizing re-signing left-handed starter Francisco Liriano to a 3-year/$39 million contract as first reported by Robert Murray of MLB Daily Rumors.
Source: Francisco Liriano to the #Pirates on a three-year, $39 million deal.
— Robert Murray (@RobertMurrayMLB) December 9, 2014
This comes as a bit of a surprise because Liriano decided to sign before the market had been fully established with the upcoming decision by Jon Lester meaning the Pirates could have themselves yet another bargain signing.
Liriano was the Pirates reclamation project two years ago where he went 16-8 with a 3.02 ERA in 26 starts while finishing ninth in Cy Young Award voting.
Last season, Liriano was plagued with injuries the first half of the year, but rebounded to go 6-3 in his final 14 starts (July 18th – End of season) with a 2.19 ERA while allowing 58 hits and striking out 94 batters in that time.
The Pirates rotation now includes Liriano, Gerrit Cole and A.J. Burnett with Charlie Morton joining the rotation after recovering from surgery.
Vance Worley and Jeff Locke will also be in the mix for a rotation spot. However, the club is still looking for another starter to fill out the rotation and that name could possibly be Edinson Volquez.
Stay with PSN as the Pirates continue to pursue moves at the Winter Meetings.
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
