The Pittsburgh Pirates have reached an agreement with Francisco Liriano on a two-year contract. The Pirates had a deal in place for the free agent left-hander in December, but an injury to his right shoulder put it on hold temporarily. The new deal is effectively the same as the original agreement, although Liriano assumes some risk in the event that he misses time with due to his existing ailment.
Ken Rosenthal, take it away…
Sources: #Pirates, Liriano have adjusted and finalized 2-year agreement. Liriano will assume risk due to injury to right (non-throwing) arm.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 21, 2013
If Liriano misses no time due to specific right arm injury, he still gets original $12.75M. First-year salary would reduce if he misses time
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 21, 2013
It’s good for the Pirates that Liriano will forfeit some money if he misses time, but it would be better for the Pirates if they just gave him a one-year contract. Or, I dunno, maybe given that money to Shaun Marcum. Just spittballin’ here, ya know. Liriano should be able to play the role that was intended for Erik Bedard last season, albeit with more walks and less dismissals from the team.
Liriano represents the club’s second free agent acquisition of the offseason; Russell Martin inked a two-year deal in November. Both Jason Grilli and Jeff Karstens re-signed with the Pirates as well.
It’s the same risk sharing arrangement as the Napoli deal although (and in typical Pirates fashion), the Bucs are still on the hook for a second year.
I wonder if this type of contract becomes a trend.
Seeing this deal finalized makes me sad, goddammit Huntington!