Report: Giants signing Romo to pitch exhibition game, retire with team
Sergio Romo wanted to retire with the San Francisco Giants, and the team is granting him his wish.
The Giants are signing the 40-year-old right-hander to a minor-league contract so he can pitch one final game with the team before announcing his retirement, reports The Athletic's Andrew Baggarly.
Romo said he doesn't plan to make the team but will "compete my ass off" at spring training.
"I promise I'm not trying to take anyone's spot," he said. "I'm telling you straight up, I'm not coming here to make a team. I can't make this team right now. Mainly, I'm not trying to. I like where I am in life, seeing my kids as often as I can. I've made a home here (in San Francisco)."
The Giants reportedly plan to sign their former closer to a minor-league deal to ensure there are no roster complications ahead of Opening Day.
The intent is for Romo to pitch in an exhibition game or two, possibly appearing in the Bay Bridge finale against the Oakland Athletics on March 27, according to Baggarly.
Romo spent nine of his 15 big-league seasons with San Francisco, saving 84 games for the Giants and helping them win the World Series in 2010, 2012, and 2014.
"If we were to all write out on a piece of paper a dream scenario, like, 'This is what you want to happen,' I still couldn't have written it as well as it happened. In all aspects," Romo said.
"Forever Giant. You hear that, forever Giant. And for me, that's what’s up. I mean that. Forever grateful. Legitimately, that's what's up."