The Miami Marlins have signed free agent reliever Brad Ziegler to a two-year, $16 million contract according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
Ziegler could earn more money through incentives and the deal is pending a physical. The Marlins added reliever Junichi Tazawa on Thursday night on a two-year deal as well.
The Mets were one of nine teams that reportedly showed interest in the right-hander.
Original Report – 6 am
Free agent right-handed reliever, Brad Ziegler, is said to be weighing multiple offers as he looks for his new team as Chris Cotillo tweeted on Thursday.
Ziegler, 37, is coming off back-to-back brilliant seasons split between Arizona and Boston. In 2015 with Arizona, Ziegler pitched to an incredible 1.85 ERA while making 66 appearances. He accumulated 30 saves in that season while pitching to a 0.96 WHIP.
This past season, Ziegler split time between Arizona and Boston where he combined for 69 appearances while pitching to a 2.25 ERA. He accumulated 22 saves last season while pitching to a 1.37 WHIP between the two teams.
It is currently believed that the Mets, Yankees, Diamondbacks, Rockies, and Marlins have all shown interest in the righty. The Mets though have said that some payroll must be shed in order to obtain any free agents at this point.
Ziegler is believed to have multiple two-year offers in hand but is currently awaiting a three-year deal as per Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports.
If he ends up with a two-year pact, it is expected that it will be for $17 million total. It seems though it may come down to whichever team blinks first in offering a three-year deal as relievers continue rack up longer contracts as of late.
