Joel Peralta, Rays Reach One-Year Contract Agreement

While they knew they were going to lose Carl Crawford and Carlos Pena, the Rays came into the offseason knowing that they'd also have to completely rebuild their bullpen. Randy Choate, Rafael Soriano, Dan Wheeler, Joaquin Benoit, Lance Cormier, and Grant Balfour all rounded out the top six in pitcher appearances for the Rays last season, and all became free agents after the year. Needless to say, there was a gigantic hole to fill.

And the Rays have now taken a step towards filling it by signing Joel Peralta to a one-year contract. According to Buster Olney, the contract is worth $0.9 million, and while it isn't yet official, it's close enough. It's a move that goes along with re-signing J.P. Howell and signing R.J. Swindle as attempts to replace the departed.

Peralta is a 34-year-old righty who was non-tendered by the Nationals earlier in the offseason. However, his 2010 numbers were terrific, as he struck out 49 and walked just nine over 49 innings while posting a 2.02 ERA. He was also excellent over 28 appearances in AAA, and the Rays will be looking for him to sustain that success over a league switch. He should inherit a lot of important late innings, and his 2010 season suggests that he can handle the job.