The Miami Marlins signed pitcher Jeff Locke to a one-year contract on Wednesday, according to a report by the Miami Herald.
The deal is worth about $3 million and represents a potential low risk-high reward type contract for Miami. Locke was recently non-tendered by the Pittsburgh Pirates, but is capable of being a contributor in the rotation and in the bullpen.
It is not yet known where the Marlins will use Locke, but most signs would point to a job to a starting rotation. David Phelps is another candidate for the rotation, although manager Don Mattingly has let it be known that he prefers the veteran in the pen.
In his six years as a big leaguer, Locke has amassed a 35-38 record to go along with a 4.41 E.R.A. All of Locke's work has come with the Pirates where he was a second-round draft pick. There is a Miami connection in play here as Marlins executive Jim Benedict previously was a member of the Pittsburgh organization as well.
Should Locke pass a physical to make the deal official, he will join Edinson Volquez as Miami's two free-agent pitching deals thus far in the off-season. The Marlins have also been linked to several relievers including Aroldis Chapman and Kenley Jansen.
The MLB Winter Meetings are winding down, but there is still time for Miami to swing a big deal before teams head home.
