The Los Angeles Dodgers made their signing of Sergio Romo to a one-year contract official on Wednesday, several hours after pitchers and catchers descended on Camelback Ranch to report for Spring Training.
Reports of Romo first agreeing to terms with the Dodgers surfaced nearly two weeks ago. Shortly after, he was part of a press conference held at Dodger Stadium to announce the Team Mexico roster for the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
It includes Adrian Gonzalez, Romo, Vidal Nuño and Alex Verdugo. Julio Urias was named to Mexico’s designated pitcher pool.
At the time, Romo was unable to speak in detail over the reported contract agreement with his childhood team. Romo’s deal is said to be worth a guaranteed $3 million and include incentives.
According to the Associated Press, those are based on appearances this season:
Romo’s deal includes $250,000 in performance bonuses, with $125,000 each for appearing in 50 and 60 games.
Throughout his nine-year career with the San Francisco Giants, Romo appeared in at least 50 games each season six times. Included in that was a stretch from 2010-15 where Romo made a minimum of 64 appearances. He set a career high with 70 games pitched in 2015.
However, the right-hander is coming off a season in which he set a career low with 30.2 innings pitched. Romo’s 40 appearances were more than only the 29 games he saw action as a rookie in 2008.
While a flexor strain near Romo’s right elbow caused him to miss most of the first half of the 2016 season, the 33-year-old was productive upon returning. He finished the year with a 2.64 ERA, 3.80 FIP and 1.08 WHIP.
Romo was particularly effective last September, pitching to a 1.86 ERA with 11 strikeouts to just one walk in 9.2 innings. Famed scout Mike Brito watched the Brawley, Calif., native pitch this offseason and provided the Dodgers with a positive report.
Romo, who turns 34 years old on March 4, will be part of the mix to find a setup man. On Wednesday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stopped short of formally naming him the primary option.
