Marlins sign Brad Penny to minor league deal

The Miami Marlins have signed right-hander Brad Penny to a minor league contract, a baseball source has confirmed. Penny will head to extended spring training in Jupiter, Fla. before joining the Marlins' Triple-A affiliate in New Orleans.

According to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald, who first reported the signing, Penny will receive a pro-rated salary of $800K if he makes the major league roster. According to sources, the deal includes an opt-out date on July 31 that will allow Penny to become a free agent if he is not in the majors and can reach just over $1M if all incentives are met.

Penny, 36, impressed scouts in a showcase on Monday, when he hit 95 mph in front of five teams who showed serious interest. He was released in spring training by the Royals, and has been spending time with his wife and newborn child in the meantime.

Penny's signing with the Marlins signals a return to his original organization; he spent the first four and a half years of his major league career with the then-Florida Marlins. In 131 games (130 starts) from 2000 to 2004, he was 48-42 with a 4.04 ERA before being dealt to the Dodgers at the trade deadline in 2004.

For his thirteen-year major league career, Penny has a lifetime 119-100 record and 4.26 ERA. He last appeared in the majors in 2012 with the Giants.