Pirates Rumors: Pittsburgh signs RHP Radhames Liz to MLB contract

The Pittsburgh Pirates have officially signed RHP Radhames Liz to a one-year, $1 million contract, per Rob Biertempfel of TribLive.com.

According to Biertempfel, "Liz's winter ball team, Estrellas de Oriente, reported on its website on Nov. 21 that he had agreed to a two-year, $3 million deal with the Pirates. However, questions raised during his physical exam led to a revised, lesser contract."

Once celebrated as a top-100 prospect by Baseball America, Liz made 21 starts with the Baltimore Orioles from 2007 to 2009. Although he hit 98 mph on the radar gun, Liz struggled to an 6-8 record with a 7.50 ERA and a 1.86 WHIP.

“Liz had some anxiety issues at the major league level ... and that kept him from being effective,” former Orioles VP of baseball operations Jim Duquette said. “Now, he's a little bit older and a little more experienced. The Pirates signed him as a starter, but I think he'll end up being better in the bullpen in very short spurts.”

Liz pitched in Korea from 2011-13. He hasn't stepped foot on an MLB mound since 2009.

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