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Braves, Hamels agree to 1-year, $18M deal

Matthew Stockman / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Atlanta Braves signed free-agent starting pitcher Cole Hamels to a one-year, $18-million contract, the team announced Wednesday.

The 35-year-old lefty's deal doesn't contain any no-trade protection, Buster Olney of ESPN reports.

The Hamels signing doesn't take the Braves out of the Madison Bumgarner sweepstakes, but the move reflects the market for the former San Francisco Giants ace, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Hamels has never received a qualifying offer. For 2019, the offer was set at $17.8 million - about equal to the value of his deal with the Braves. If the 14-year vet has a strong 2020, Atlanta could qualify him and either get draft-pick compensation if he leaves or retain him at a similar price.

"I wanted to play for a contender," Hamels said, according to 680 The Fan.

The four-time All-Star posted a 3.81 ERA in 27 starts with the Chicago Cubs during the 2019 season.

Atlanta was in need of starting pitching help after the team didn't pick up Julio Teheran's 2020 option. Left-hander Dallas Keuchel also became a free agent.

The signing is the latest move by a Braves club that's been busy this offseason. The team already added catcher Travis d'Arnaud and relievers Will Smith and Chris Martin. The Braves also retained outfielder Nick Markakis, catcher Tyler Flowers, and right-hander Darren O'Day.

The team has dished out $98.75 million this winter on new contracts.

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