Jose Mijares: a chubby Sergio Romo.
MLBtraderumors has confirmed the San Francisco Giants and Jose Mijares have agreed upon a $1.8 million contract for the 2013 season.
The 28-year-old left-hander threw for 20 and one third innings for the Giants last season, including six appearances in the postseason. Mijares spent the first 51 appearances last season with the Kansas City Royals before he was claimed by San Francisco on Aug. 6.
Posting a 2.55 ERA last season, Mijares was due for a big raise from his $925,000 contract of 2012. His total 2012 WAR of 1.1 would rank him second out of the bullpen only behind Sergio Romo (1.8).
It appears the Giants organization wants to keep a balanced lefty/righty ratio in their bullpen after their expensive commitments to Javier Lopez, Jeremy Affeldt and now Mijares. All three have been used very effectively by manager Bruce Bochy and I don’t expect any difference in 2013.
This contract cuts down the Giants arbitration list to six as Romo, Buster Posey, Clay Hensley, Gregor Blanco, Hunter Pence and Joaquin Arias still need to be signed.
This move also fills in another spot in the bullpen, making the re-signing of free agent Brian Wilson less likely.
