Marlins finalize 2-year deal with Ziegler

The Miami Marlins opened their Christmas gifts early.

Submarine right-hander Brad Ziegler officially signed a two-year contract, the team announced Friday.

Initial reports indicate the deal is worth $16 million, though the club hasn't confirmed the figures yet. As a counter-move, the club designated left-hander Elvis Araujo for assignment.

Though Ziegler is a 37-year-old reliever with an 84-mph fastball, the market has benefited relief pitchers this offseason.

Over his nine-year MLB career, Ziegler has established himself as one of the more effective late-game options in baseball, albeit with less-than-dominating stuff.

The right-hander owns a career 2.44 ERA in 596 2/3 innings pitched, and his value skyrocketed last season as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he boasted a 2.82 ERA in 38 1/3 innings.

His side-winding delivery threw off hitters, and prompted the Boston Red Sox to trade for him late in the season, at which point he continued to dominate, owning a 1.52 ERA over 29 2/3 innings, while striking out 31 batters for the Red Sox.