OAKLAND -- The A’s appear to have their starting rotation intact for the 2021 season after reaching a deal with right-hander Mike Fiers

Fiers is reuniting with the club on a one-year deal, the club announced on Tuesday. A source told MLB.com the deal is worth $3.5 million.

Fiers, 35, went 6-3 with a 4.58 ERA in 11 starts last year. His return keeps the A’s with the same five pitchers -- Frankie Montas, Sean Manaea, Chris Bassitt, Jesús Luzardo and Fiers -- who comprised their rotation for most of the ‘20 campaign on the roster for the upcoming season. A.J. Puk, Oakland’s No. 1 prospect who is coming off shoulder surgery, is also expected to be in the mix for a rotation slot in Spring Training.

Though Fiers has continued to see a decrease in fastball velocity over the past two years -- his fastball averaged a career-low 88 mph in ‘20 -- the right-hander continues to outperform his secondary stats. In ‘19, he went 15-4 with a 3.90 ERA despite a 4.97 FIP, faring much better pitching in the spacious outfield and foul grounds of the Coliseum than on the road.

Fiers drew a start for Oakland in Game 3 of last year's American League Wild Card Series against the White Sox but was pulled after allowing one run over 1 2/3 innings.

Whatever role awaits Fiers, the move at the very least gives the A’s some added depth, something the front office believes the club can never have too much of. Prospects Daulton Jefferies and James Kaprielian are two other options who could be next in line should a need for another starter in the big leagues arise.