Free-agent pitcher Jeremy Affeldt finalized a one-year, $3-million US contract with the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday.
Affeldt, who earned $1.25 million US last season, can make an additional $1 million US in performance bonuses.
Jeremy Affeldt talks to reporters Wednesday in Cincinnati, Ohio.
(Tom Uhlman/Associated Press)
"My heart skipped a beat when they offered that deal," he said. "It was a great opportunity for me.
"The deals that were on the table, my heart wasn't really in it."
"We're really excited about having him," Reds general manager Wayne Krivsky said. "Our scouts have really liked his stuff for a long time."
Affeldt posted a 4-3 record with a 3.51 earned-run average in 75 relief appearances for the Colorado Rockies — and pitched in all four games of the World Series, won by the Boston Red Sox.
The left-hander is 25-27 lifetime with 18 saves in 286 appearances, including 42 starts, over six MLB seasons with the Kansas City Royals and Rockies.
"We presented a scenario to him to be a starter," Krivsky said. "He believes he can and we think he can.
"He will have a chance to compete for one of the jobs in the rotation. We promised him that.
"We will see how it goes in spring training. We have got confidence with his stuff and mental makeup and going through the post-season last year with the Rockies."
Cincinnati's starting rotation remains uncertain behind right-handers Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo.
With files from the Canadian Press
