San Francisco Giants bring back Sergio Romo

The San Francisco Giants and Sergio Romo have agreed to a two-year, $15 million contract, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. The deal is reportedly pending a physical.

Romo, the 31-year-old right-hander who regularly features a sweeping slider, has spent his entire seven-year career with the Giants. After being on the free agent market for a decent amount of time, he lands a financially rewarding deal and has the chance to defend one of his three World Series championships.

This move also represents the Giants’ first significant addition of the offseason. After losing Pablo Sandoval to the Boston Red Sox, then missing out on then free agent pitcher Jon Lester, Romo is truly the first positive move in San Francisco’s favor.

At face value, this signing doesn’t seem all that important, but Romo’s a pitcher who has statistics that warrant him bigger name recognition. Throughout his career, he’s posted the following numbers: 2.51 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and has only allowed opponents to hit .198 against him. In 25 career playoff games, the Giants’ right-hander has put up a 2.11 ERA and four saves. He’s also struck out 20 batters while surrendering just two walks.

Beyond these impressive numbers, Romo is a versatile weapon out of the bullpen. Back when the Giants won the 2012 World Series, he was the team’s reliable closer. Despite a poor year in 2014, he found his role down the stretch and was a quality setup man. His experience ranges from middle relief to late-inning roles. He’s also a fan favorite with a loyal following in San Francisco.

The biggest knock on Romo is his poor 2014 showing. Essentially the first underwhelming year of his stint in San Francisco, Romo lost his closer role and rocked a 3.72 ERA. His slider also flattened out and he gave up nine home runs in 58 innings pitched. To succeed in 2015, Romo will have to work out the kinks of his slider.