Marlins sign Brad Ziegler to two-year deal

The Marlins agreed to sign veteran reliever Brad Ziegler to a two-year, $16 million deal Friday night, according to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.

The deal is pending a physical and also includes incentives, according to Rosenthal.

After missing out on Aroldis Chapman, Kenley Jansen and Mark Melancon at the Winter Meetings, the Marlins were reportedly focused on improving the back-end of their bullpen. The Ziegler signing comes a day after the Marlins signed Junichi Tazawa to a two-year deal.

The Marlins have taken a distinct approach this offseason, emphasizing the bullpen instead of the starting rotation. A weak starting pitching market and few resources to trade likely influenced the club’s decision.

Ziegler, 37, pitched to a 2.25 ERA and 3.10 FIP over 68.0 innings with the Red Sox and Diamondbacks. He will likely serve as another setup option for Manager Don Mattingly, who can also turn to A.J. Ramos, David Phelps and Kyle Barraclough late in games.