The Pirates tried to make a big splash by signing David Price and a surprising splash by signing Josh Johnson, but it ended up being more of a small ripple than a wave.
On Wednesday, Dec. 11, they avoided arbitration with Charlie Morton by signing him to a three year, $21 million extension. The deal is back-loaded with a player option for a fourth year. Morton would have been an unrestricted free agent after the 2014 season.
Morton came off of Tommy John surgery in the middle of June this past season, starting 20 games for the Pirates. He went 7-4 with a 3.26 ERA and 116.0 IP. He also maintained a solid 1.284 WHIP.
He went into the post season as their third starter, starting Game 4 of the NLDS. Although he lost that decision, it was by no means through only his fault. He gave up 2 runs over 5 1/3 innings pitched; the only runs coming on a two-run homer by Matt Holliday.
This resigning gives the Pirates a lock for their third starter in the rotation behind Francisco Liriano and Gerritt Cole.
But the Bucs weren’t done yet. They then signed former Reds’ Rookie of the Year candidate, Edinson Volquez.
Volquez has had a very shaky career to say the least. He spent his first three years with the Texas Rangers, racking up a total of 20 starts from 2005-2007.
He had his breakout year in 2008 with the Reds, which was technically his “rookie” year. He went 17-6 with a 3.21 ERA and 206 K. He finished fourth in the NL Rookie of the Year voting.
Since then, he has only managed a total record of 33-35 with a 4.94 ERA.
The Pirates signed Volquez on a one year, $5 million deal. He will try and compete most likely for the last spot in their rotation. The Pirates are hoping for a turnaround season similar to the one Francisco Liriano had last season.
Ray Searage will try to work his magic once again.
