The spending spree from the Boston Red Sox continues, as the team has signed reliever Koji Uehara to a one-year deal (money currently unknown). Uehara, who will turn 38 in April, spent 2012 with the Rangers after being dealt to Texas from Baltimore at the 2011 trade deadline.
One year for Uehara seems a bit strange as he was one of the premier relievers on the market, and that works in favor of the Red Sox. He only threw 36 innings for Texas last season, but struck out 43 while walking only three with a miniscule 1.75 ERA. His command is his strong suit, and that will fit in nicely in Boston's bullpen ahead of closer Andrew Bailey (assuming Bailey is healthy and isn't traded). Despite not throwing overly hard, Uehara has thrived since becoming a full-time reliever in 2010 with the Orioles.
Considering how absurd many of the reliever contracts have been this offseason, one year for Uehara is a steal, especially if he's making $5 million or less (which I assume he is). I'm honestly stunned he only got one year, but that must have been a personal preference from him in light of the contracts received by Brandon League, Jonathan Broxton, Sean Burnett, and Randy Choate.
UPDATE: Uehara will make $4.25 million as his base salary in the deal. Fantastic signing from Boston.
