Reds bring back Simon on 1-year deal
The Cincinnati Reds announced the signing of pitcher Alfredo Simon to a one-year contract Thursday.
He'll reportedly earn $2 million, and could earn another $1.5 million in incentives, according to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com.
Simon pitched for the Reds from 2012-14, crafting a 3.16 ERA over three seasons in the Queen City, and earning his lone All-Star berth in 2014. He was traded to the Tigers last winter and struggled through his lone season in Detroit, posting a 5.05 ERA and 1.439 WHIP over 31 starts.
Welcome back #BigPasta 🍝
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) March 17, 2016
The 34-year-old will slot in as the veteran of a youthful Reds rotation. Last season, Cincinnati set a record for consecutive starts by rookie pitchers; this year, the team is expected to open its season with four starters under the age of 27. Right-hander Homer Bailey (29 years old) isn't expected to return from Tommy John surgery until mid-May.
PROJECTED OPENING DAY ROTATION
| Pitcher | Age | 2015 ERA | 2015 K/9 IP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony DeSclafani | 25 | 4.05 | 7.4 |
| Brandon Finnegan* | 22 | 3.56 | 8.4 |
| Jon Moscot | 24 | 4.63 | 4.6 |
| Raisel Iglesias | 26 | 4.15 | 9.8 |
| Alfredo Simon | 34 | 5.05 | 5.6 |
*2015 season split between Royals and Reds
Simon owns a career 45-40 record and 4.17 ERA over 240 career big-league games with the Reds, Tigers, and Orioles.