Tampa Bay Rays sign Ernesto Frieri

Ernesto Frieri has signed with the Tampa Bay Rays, according to an AP report passed on by ESPN. The deal is reportedly for one-year and $800,000.

Once a promising reliever, Frieri suffered a nightmarish downturn this past season. He made 48 appearances between the Los Angeles Angels and Pittsburgh Pirates, watching his ERA balloon to 7.34 with 11 home runs allowed in just 41.2 IP.

This is a clear buy-low move for Tampa Bay. The hope is that Frieri can find his old form and emerge as a late-inning candidate for the team’s bullpen. In 2012 with the Angels, he posted a 2.32 ERA and picked up 23 saves in 56 games. The next year he saved 37. In 2014 though, Frieri lost his closing role and was traded to the Pirates for Jason Grilli.

With the Rays in the midst of major personnel changes and seeking to shift its organizational philosophies, Frieri doesn’t end up being a significant difference maker. He does fills a hole left in the bullpen from the Joel Peralta trade. Frieri also presents little risk given his paltry contract.

Other bullpen pieces for the Rays include Brad Boxberger and Jake McGee, two of the most underrated relievers from this past season. Boxberger struck out 104 batters in his 64.2 IP. McGee posted a 1.89 ERA and spent the bulk of the season in the closer’s role. If Frieri can find his 2012 form, there’s a seventh inning role waiting for him.

Frieri can earn up to an additional $2.35 million in incentives based on appearances and games finished.