Pirates bring back Sean Rodriguez on 1-year deal

PITTSBURGH (AP) Sean Rodriguez is sticking with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The team announced a $2.5 million, one-year contract Thursday that allows the 30-year-old utility player to earn an additional $1 million in performance bonuses.

Rodriguez hit .246 with four homers and 17 RBIs while playing in a career-high 139 games for the Pirates in 2015. He made 102 appearances at first base, 30 in the outfield, eight at third base, seven at second base and three at shortstop.

Rodriguez's signing gives Pittsburgh needed depth after trading second baseman Neil Walker to the New York Mets and declining to offer a contract to first baseman Pedro Alvarez.

He can earn $50,000 for 100 games and each additional 10 through 140, and $50,000 for 250 plate appearances and each additional 50 through 450.

NOTES: Right-handed reliever Juan Nicasio gets $3 million under the one-year contract the Pirates announced Dec. 10.