SAN FRANCISCO — Farhan Zaidi is a step closer to building the deep rotation he wanted.
The Giants on Wednesday signed veteran left-hander Drew Pomeranz, adding another starter and increasing the possibility that either Dereck Rodriguez or Andrew Suarez, or both, can be slow-played early in the season.
The deal was first reported by KNBR, and according to The Athletic, Pomeranz will earn $1.5 million with incentives that can take it to $5 million.
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Pomeranz, 30, gives the Giants another option as they look to increase their rotation depth. Zaidi said at the Winter Meetings that in an ideal world, his young starters — Rodriguez, Suarez, Chris Stratton — could start the 2019 season in the minors or bullpen and ease into the season.
Pomeranz, in theory, joins Madison Bumgarner, Derek Holland and Jeff Samardzija as veterans in the rotation.
The lefty had a brutal 2018 season in Boston but has a track record of big league success. Pomeranz had a 2.47 ERA in 17 starts with the Padres in 2016 before a trade to the Red Sox. He went 17-6 with a 3.32 ERA in 2017 but had a 6.08 ERA last season, losing his rotation spot.
Pomeranz also spent two seasons in Oakland, where he briefly crossed paths with Zaidi.
San Francisco Giants
In a corresponding move, the Giants designated outfielder Mike Gerber for assignment to make room for Pomeranz on the 40-man roster.