Major League Baseball

Source: Pirates, Grilli agree to deal

Published Dec. 10, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

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Ken Rosenthal

The Pittsburgh Pirates moved to bolster their bullpen Monday, agreeing to re-sign right-hander Jason Grilli to a two-year deal, according to a major league source.

The deal, which is pending a physical, could give the Pirates the flexibility to trade closer Joel Hanrahan and use Grilli in a ninth-inning role.

Grilli, 36, emerged as one of the most reliable setup men in the National League last season, averaging nearly 14 strikeouts per nine innings and producing a 2.91 ERA.

Hanrahan could earn approximately $7 million in arbitration, and the Pirates have discussed trading him for a comparably priced starting pitcher, sources say.

The Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants also made offers to Grilli, according to a source.

Grilli's agent is former major leaguer Gary Sheffield.

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