The Toronto Blue Jays have reached a one-year agreement with free agent reliever Francisco Cordero. The deal, which is pending a Cordero physical, is worth $4.5 million according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
The Blue Jays have overhauled their bullpen this offseason. Toronto has traded for Sergio Santos and Jason Frasor and signed free agent Darren Oliver. Cordero is the newest name added to this revamped group of arms.
Though the Blue Jays haven’t officially established a role for Cordero, Rosenthal reported that the veteran right-hander is expected to slide into a setup role behind Santos.
It will be the first time in a long while that Cordero will not begin the year as his club’s closer. The 36-year-old has compiled 327 saves over his career, and has averaged more than 38 per year since 2007.
For his career, Cordero has an ERA and WHIP of 3.17 and 1.333 with 8.8 SO/9 and 4.1 BB/9. Last season with the Reds Cordero posted an ERA of 2.45 to go with his impressive 1.019 WHIP.
Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos told reporters that Toronto is likely done wheeling and dealing this offseason. AA said that adding another reliever is probably the only other move he could see his club making this winter.
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