Brewers sign Mike Gonzalez

The Milwaukee Brewers have agreed to sign left-handed reliever Mike Gonzalez, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. The one-year deal is worth $2.25 million plus incentives, according to Jim Bowden of ESPN:

Source: #Brewers agree with Mike Gonzalez.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 28, 2012

Mike Gonzalez deal is $2.250 m plus incentives...

— JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) December 28, 2012

Gonzalez spent the 2012 season with the Washington Nationals. The left-hander signed with Washington a month into the season after holding through the entire 2011-12 offseason. Over 47 appearances spanning 35 2/3 innings for the Nationals Gonzalez posted an ERA of 3.03 with 9.8 strikeouts and 4.0 walks per nine innings.

Prior to his productive 2012 campaign, Gonzalez posted less-than-impressive totals in 2010-11 as a member of the Baltimore Orioles and Texas Rangers. Over those seasons he maintained an ERA of 4.27.

Gonzalez has ranged from a left-handed specialist to a closer during his time at the major league level. The 34-year-old has 56 career saves and an ERA of 2.94 with 10.3 strikeouts and 4.1 walks per nine innings over 10 seasons in the majors.

The Brewers have made their bullpen a priority this offseason, as they entered the winter with several relievers hitting the free agent market, including Francisco Rodriguez, Manny Parra and Jose Veras. Gonzalez marks the third relief pitcher Milwaukee has acquired this offseason, also including Burke Badenhop and Tom Gorzelanny.

Beyond the Brewers, the Nationals and Cincinnati Reds were also reportedly in on Gonzalez.