Royals retain reliever Frasor on one-year deal

KANSAS CITY -- Eager to shore up the middle of the bullpen, the Royals on Friday announced the signing of free-agent right-hander Jason Frasor for 2015 with a mutual option for 2016.

The deal is for $1.25 million plus a possible $500,000 in performance bonuses for next season. The mutual option for 2016 is for $2 million plus $500,000 in performance bonuses, with a $550,000 buyout. That means Frasor is guaranteed at least $1.8 million.

Frasor, 37, was impressive in the regular season and postseason after the Royals obtained him in a trade with the Rangers for Minor League pitcher Spencer Patton on July 16.

In 23 games during the Royals' second-half push, Frasor posted a 1.53 ERA and a 3-0 record. In 17 2/3 innings, he gave up three runs, 13 hits and four walks while notching 16 strikeouts.

"Jason gives us a lot of depth and versatility," general manager Dayton Moore said. "He can pitch in high-leverage situations and we like the way he competes and throws strikes. He's a terrific human being and fits very well with us going forward."

A self-described "one-inning pitcher," Frasor went beyond that limit just twice, going 1 1/3 innings each time.

His success prompted the Royals to leave their longtime reliever Aaron Crow, who was traded to the Marlins on Friday, off the postseason roster.  Frasor appeared in seven playoff games -- including three times against the Giants in the World Series -- and he secured two victories while posting a 1.69 ERA.

The only postseason run he gave up was in the Giants' 11-4 romp in Game 4. Frasor got the victory in the Royals' dramatic Wild Card win over the Athletics and in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series against the Orioles.

Frasor, from Chicago, was appearing in his first postseason after spending 8 1/2 seasons with the Blue Jays, a half season with the White Sox and 1 1/2 seasons with the Rangers.

In his Major League career, Frasor has made 647 relief appearances, seventh-most among active pitchers, with a composite record of 34-35, 36 saves and a 3.59 ERA. His 34 victories tie the Angels' Huston Street for fourth most among active pitchers.

"Jason will always take the ball and give us everything he has," Moore said.