Red Sox announce signing of Alexi Ogando to one-year deal

The Boston Red Sox have announced the signing of right-hander Alexi Ogando to a one-year deal. Ogando will make $1.5 million on his deal with Boston, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. USA Today's Bob Nightengale tweeted that Ogando's deal can earn him an extra $1.5 million from performance and roster bonuses.

Ogando was signed as an amateur free agent by the Oakland Athletics in 2002. The 31-year-old has been a swingman with the Texas Rangers after he was acquired by them via the Rule 5 Draft. He was non-tendered by the Rangers this past December.  

Ogando first appeared in the bigs in 2010, averaging 96 mph on his heater, while offering a slider and change. Since, he has lost about 2 mph on his fastball. From 2011 to 2013, Ogando registered a 3.34 ERA (3.89 FIP), 7.0 K/9, and a 2.7 BB/9, while being a very valuable asset on the Rangers' pitching staff. He even made the American League's 2011 All-Star team. Last season, however, Ogando pitched just 25 innings due to an elbow sprain. 

The Red Sox risk on Ogando is worthwhile. While he is getting up there in age, if he can prove to be effective once again in 2015, the Red Sox can choose to go through the arbitration process with him in 2016. The Red Sox' one-year deal could end up being a two-year pact if they decide to do the process of arbitration. That all depends on if they believe he is worth the money. 

With the Red Sox' crowded rotation, it does not look like Ogando will spend much, if any, time as a starter next season. He will likely serve as their seventh-inning pitcher, as a setup man to closer Koji Uehara. 

--Devan Fink

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