SAN FRANCISCO — Reliever Jeremy Affeldt became the first of 171 free agents to agree to a contract, striking a two-year deal Monday with the San Francisco Giants.

One of Giants general manager Brian Sabean's offseason priorities was to bolster his club's inconsistent bullpen, so adding the left-hander helps in that process. The Giants, who haven't reached the playoffs since 2003, often had problems in the middle innings between their starter and getting to reliable closer Brian Wilson.

The 29-year-old Affeldt pitched for the Cincinnati Reds last season, going 1-1 with a 3.33 ERA in a team-leading 74 appearances. He struck out 80 and walked 25 in 78 1-3 innings. The 6-foot-4 Affeldt, originally drafted by Kansas City in the third round in 1997, recorded a 2.23 ERA in his final 34 outings of 2008.

"Though just 29, Jeremy brings a solid veteran presence to our bullpen," Sabean said in a statement. "There is no doubt he has been able to shoulder a heavy workload. He has been to the postseason and will help bridge the gap between our young and talented starting staff and our closer, Brian Wilson, who is one of the best in the game. We are excited to have Jeremy as a Giant."

Affeldt was part of the Colorado Rockies team that won the NL pennant in 2007 and reached the World Series.