Marlins sign Junichi Tazawa to two-year deal

The Marlins signed reliever Junichi Tazawa to a two-year deal worth $12 million, according to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.

Miami arrived at the Winter Meetings hoping to land one of the best closers available, but after missing out on Aroldis Chapman, Kenley Jansen and Mark Melancon, the Marlins were reportedly considering alternatives.

Tazawa, 30, pitched to a 4.17 ERA and 4.23 FIP over 49.2 innings with the Red Sox last season. He averaged 9.8 strikeouts per nine innings last season and will add a back-end arm to complement A.J. Ramos.

Though Tazawa has pitched to an ERA in the mid-fours each of the last two seasons, he could be a bounce-back candidate to watch in 2016.

Now, Ramos can close games, with the Marlins turning to Tazawa, Kyle Barraclough and Davis Phelps in setup roles. Hunter Cervenka will likely serve as Miami’s primary lefty after Mike Dunn signed a three-year deal with the Rockies on Thursday.

Because the starting pitching market lacks top arms, the Marlins seem to be upgrading their bullpen with the intention of shortening games. The club could still add other arms, too, according to SB Nation’s Chris Cotillo.