Braves add Outman, finalize deals with Pierzynski, Grilli
ATLANTA (AP) The Braves agreed to a $925,000, one-year contract with left-hander Josh Outman and finalized two other free-agent deals Wednesday: an $8 million, two-year agreement with right-hander Jason Grilli and a $2 million, one-year contract with catcher A.J. Pierzynski.
Outman, 30, was 4-0 with a 2.86 ERA with Cleveland and the New York Yankees last season. He can make an additional $475,000 in performance bonuses based on games: $50,000 for 50; $75,000 for 55; $100,000 each for 60 and 65; and $150,000 for 70.
Grilli, 38, was an All-Star closer for Pittsburgh in 2013 and is expected to fill a setup role for closer Craig Kimbrel.
He gets $4.25 million this year and $3.5 million in 2016, and Atlanta has a $3 million option for 2017 with a $250,000 buyout. Grilli can earn $300,000 annually based on games pitched: $100,000 each for 56, 60 and 64. He also can make $4 million based on games finished: $500,000 apiece for 30 and each additional five through 55, and $1 million for 60.
Pierzynski, also, 38, likely will play behind Christian Bethancourt. Evan Gattis is moving from catcher to left field. Pierzynski hit .251 for Boston and St. Louis last year.
He can earn $700,000 based on starts at catcher: $50,000 for 55 and each additional five through 80, and $100,000 for 85 and each additional five through 100.