Miami Marlins Sign Jon Rauch to One-Year Contract

The Miami Marlins have signed reliever Jon Rauch to a one-year contract. Rauch will earn a base salary of $1 million, as first reported by Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald.

#Marlins sign Jon Rauch to 1-year deal for $1 million.

— clarkspencer (@clarkspencer) February 5, 2013

According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com, Rauch's contract includes $750,000 in roster bonuses. If he is still a member of the Marlins by an unspecified date, he will earn the additional amount.

The 34-year-old right-hander played for the New York Mets last season, pitching for a 3.59 ERA in 57.2 innings pitched. He struck out 42 batters and walked 12. At 6'11", Rauch is the tallest player in Major League Baseball history. Despite his enormous height, Rauch's fastball averages just 90.7 miles per hour. In some seasons, his average fastball velocity has dipped below 90. He also features a low-80s slider.

Rauch has a 3.80 ERA across 10 seasons in the majors. ZiPS expects that he will come close to that mark next season, projecting a 3.93 ERA from him. He has given the Marlins some difficulty in his career, allowing only 17 earned runs and striking out 58 batters in 51 innings pitched against Miami. As the old proverb goes, if you can't beat them, sign them to a one-year, low risk contract.

Rumors swirled on the internet yesterday that the Marlins were interested in closer Jose Valverde. Whether or not they remain interested after today's signing is unclear.

The Marlins also designated outfielder Bryan Petersen for assignment today. Petersen hit for a .220/.303/.305 slash line in his three-year career with the Marlins.