Big news for San Francisco Giants' fans. The team has re-signed Tim Lincecum, the once-dominant right-handed starter who's struggled in recent seasons. The deal is reportedly worth $35 million for two years -- down from Lincecum's last contract, a two-year agreement that paid him $40.25 million.
Here's the first Associated Press report on the deal:
SAN FRANCISCO — Tim Lincecum is staying put with the San Francisco Giants just as he hoped, reaching agreement Tuesday on a two-year contract through the 2015 season.
The deal is pending a physical, which had yet to be scheduled, according to assistant GM Bobby Evans.
General manager Brian Sabean said when the season ended among his top priorities was to bring back the two-time NL Cy Young Award winner, who also indicated he cherishes familiarity and wanted stay with the only club he has known. He pitched the Game 5 clincher in the 2010 World Series at Texas, then shifted to the bullpen and became a reliable reliever during the Giants' 2012 run to their second title in three years.
Sabean wanted to lock up Lincecum's deal before he hit free agency.
Lincecum won the Cy Young Award in 2008, when he had a record of 18 wins and 5 losses, and in 2009, when he went 15-7. His last winning season was 2010, and he's 33-43 over the last three seasons.
From Twitter on the deal:
From a personal view, Lincecum is tremendous column-fodder. Also has never been upset w/me (that I know of) when I've critiqued his slumps.
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) October 22, 2013
The #SFGiants sign Tim Lincecum to a 2-year deal reportedly worth $35 million http://t.co/c7JKnISna7
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 22, 2013
More Timmy. Giants, Lincecum agree on 2-year deal. http://t.co/pefOYicyZB
— SFGate.com (@SFGate) October 22, 2013