Pirates, Grilli close to deal

The Pittsburgh Pirates are close to re-signing right-handed reliever Jason Grilli to a two-year contract, reports Scott Miller of CBS Sports:

The Pirates are close to landing free agent closer Jason Grilli for two years somewhere between $3 and $3.5 million, according CBSSports.com sources.

The Cubs, Blue Jays, Giants and Pirates have been engaging Grilli in serious discussions over the past few days, sources say, with the Cubs making a particularly strong pitch.

The 36-year-old Grilli and his agent -- former All-Star Gary Sheffield -- were reportedly seeking a three-year deal, but every offer on the table is believed to be of the two-year variety. With all of the offers so close in dollars and cents, Grilli seems to be leaning towards returning to Pittsburgh, where he spent the past two seasons.

The veteran right-hander has found great success with the Bucs, posting a career-best 2.76 ERA and 12.5 K/9 in 91⅓ innings in his two-year stint with the club.

Grilli was expected to make his decision by 10am ET this morning, but as 11am has come and gone, no decision has been made. The Giants are reportedly out of the running for the right-hander, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, leaving the veteran to decide between the Pirates, Cubs and Blue Jays.