1:15pm: The Braves have formally announced the signing and (unlike most clubs) confirmed the terms of the contract in their press release. Their 40-man roster is now up to 38 players.
11:18am: The Braves have struck a one-year deal with lefty Cole Hamels, per ESPN.com’s Jeff Passan (via Twitter). It’s said to include a $18MM guarantee for the John Boggs client.
Hamels can still get the job done as he closes in on his 36th birthday. Despite losing more than a full tick on his fastball from 2018-2019, he generated swings and misses at close to a twelve percent rate — much as he has done throughout his 14-year career. Since landing with the Cubs in the second half of the 2018 campaign, Hamels has spun 218 innings of 3.30 ERA ball over 39 starts while maintaining 9.0 K/9 and 3.3 BB/9.
This match has long made sense — for all the reasons the team decided last year to ink fellow veteran southpaw Dallas Keuchel to a rental contract. MLBTR predicted Hamels to land in Atlanta in our ranking of the top fifty free agents.
Entering the winter, we believed Hamels could command a two-year deal at a $15MM AAV. But it emerged soon after the market opened that the veteran southpaw actually preferred a single-season mercenary arrangement. That’s just what he’ll get, and he’ll command a bit of a salary premium by foregoing any long-term security.
Hamels drew widespread interest over the past month. That continued into the month of December, with Bob Nightengale reporting (Twitter link) that a half-dozen organizations were still involved as of yesterday. The Phillies, White Sox, Rangers, and — surprisingly — the Giants were among the teams in the market until the end, per the report.
That Philadelphia link only further increases the NL East intrigue that we’re bound to see in 2020. While he is a few years removed from his tenure with the Phils, Hamels will always be known first and foremost as a long-time Phillies hurler who was one of the team’s key players during its last run of success.
Now, Hamels will try to help the Braves get over the hump. The Atlanta org has won the past two division crowns, but hasn’t yet managed to translate that success into the postseason. Hamels promises to step in for Keuchel as a durable veteran who has been there and done that plenty of times over a long and prosperous career.
This is the latest early strike for the Braves, who have already ticked through quite a few items on the checklist before the Winter Meetings even kick off. Hamels isn’t the top-of-the-rotation arm that might be preferred, but his addition doesn’t preclude further adds. For now, though, the focus will likely remain on re-signing or replacing third baseman Josh Donaldson.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Solid deal for Hamels.
Braves are lucky, I wanted Hamels to return to Philadelphia. Well, the Phillies are interested in Wheeler instead. I rather have Hamels than Wheeler in a team.
I didn’t look at it as an either/or. I figured if the Phils Plan A was Cole/Strasburg then the 2nd SP they’d sign would be a cheap, back end guy. But if they went for Wheeler, I fully expected them to sign Hamels too (or a comparable) since the 2 combined would still be far cheaper than either of the top 2 aces on the market.
I hate seeing Hamels sign with the Braves. It’s a lot of money for one year, but it’s only one year. Definitely a move I would have made if I was Klentak. Ball is in his court, he knows he’s on the hot seat.
I agree with you. Cole Hamels needed to return home with the Phillies. It was going to be a 1 year deal. It could had been an excellent signing just like Atlanta signing Donaldson last season giving him 23 million for a year. Braves are looking like a good team, but in the NL East the team that I like is the Phillies.
how? a 3rd place team with no pitching? and you pick them over 2 time NLE champs and reigning WS winner?
I still like the Braves and Nats over the Phillies. Right now my money would be on the Braves to win the division, but a lot depends on Rendon/Strasburg.
4th place team. The Mets finished with a better record than the Phillies and unless something beyond the Wheeler deal happens, I can’t see the Phillies being much better in 2020.
Well then…
As a baseball fan, I just want to thank the Braves for quick signings.
What would we do if it weren’t for the Braves and Padres
Kill ourselves.
Be angry the Hot Stove isn’t as its name suggests. Just a guess.
I am not expecting much from Cole. He’s pretty bad now that he’s old.
Actually he’s not “pretty bad” at all. Not the guy he once was, but a guy who will give you 30 starts and a sub-4.00 ERA
CHC was one of the worst defensive teams in 2019, while ATL was in top-10 in most categories, so that should also help him. Will go a long way to bringing Donaldson back and possibly replacing Kakes.
Having watched most of his starts he was really good for the Cubs. Even in the second half his stuff looked good but got into a lot of trouble with walks and racking up pitch counts early. I think he has a nice season next year.
I did notice his whip was up, which was a tad concerning. But he’s not “pretty bad” by any means
Solid comment
Hamels is in the Rich Hill Years. You just don’t know when he’ll be able to pitch.
He failed to make at least 27 starts once since becoming a full time regular in ’07 lol. Hes the definition of a workhorse
LOL – Hill has made 30 starts once (in 2007!) – and only surpassed 20+ starts in 4 seasons in his career. Rich Hill needs to get into the Cole Hamels years.
At least Hamels can stay healthy.
Dumbest comment in days
Nope he was a three war pitcher
How is a 3.30 ERA over his last 40 starts “bad”? $18M may be viewed as a bit of a risk given his age and some injury bumps along the way, but given his performance overall it is reasoned. They should be looking to go even further with their staff. But this makes a lot of sense.
He has been hurt by the long ball the past few years, especially in Arlington. Wonder if Atlanta’s deeper OF wasn’t a factor.
He allowed 1.1 home runs per 9. That’s pretty normal.
Yeah. He slipped a little bit during a stretch last year but he actually was solid most of the season.
Completely disagree. He was extremely effective when he was healthy.
18 million!?!?
It’s the Anthopoulos way. That will drive some prices up.
1 year, gotta overpay a bit.
He looked awful down the stretch. His agent deserves a raise.
…but he will be in Newcomb and Fried’s ear all year long. There is value in that, plus I would overpay in AAV so he isn’t blocking Anderson and others!
Hilarious. Exact same comments made last year on Donaldson’s one year $23 mil deal. “He looked awful!”…”his agent deserves a raise!” How’d that turn out? Regardless it is a one year deal so not much risk.
He’ll be 36. I doubt he had a three year deal on the table.
It’s almost like you didn’t read the article.
Noooo I wanted Hammel to resign with the Cubs!! :p
The article explained the amount. If you want to sign less in commitment you have to go higher in dollars. Once Hamels had said he was interested in a 1 year deal, a lot of teams were in on him driving up the price a bit further.
youre dead to us all in Philly now Cole
This is on the Phillies,not him.He literally came out in free agency saying he wanted to play in Philly,they put him on hold.Cant blame him for jumping at 18m from a team that actually made the playoffs.
True. He wanted so bad to come
Back to Philly
im sure everyone put him on hold after he told them he had a 18 aav contract on the table.
Today’s Philadelphia inquirer, “Phillies haven’t had any interviews with any free agents yet”…..They didn’t even try.
Is it really an “aav contract”? It’s 1 year 18M contract, you have to pay a premium to not give him a 2 year deal.
I doubt that. A lot of teams were in on him. Just like any normal bidding war, everyone stops somewhere just a little short of the winning bid.
Yup “stupid money GM” just stupid .. want Cole pay him $19 mil done..instead Braves got him
Yup. From the way he talked about Philly, he might have gone to there for $16MM or $17MM.
Hamels 1 WS / Harper 0. I’d you’re still sore about Hamels leaving a sinking ship then you might want to examine why your club has underperformed for basically the past decade.
Hopefully he gets a 2nd ring in 2020
i wouldn’t be surprised these Braves are putting together a 2016-17 Astros offseason, and we know how things turned out for them.
He can go where he wants, he owes Philly absolutely nothing.
He most certainly is not. I know you’re joking a bit, but anyone on that 2008 team is a Phillies legend forever in my eyes.
yes i was. and really, i didnt think him coming back to Philly was as likely as it was made out to be. SD was my bet.
Yo! That was my first reaction as well, but cooler heads prevail. He’ll always be a part of the fabric here.
Lol
Thank god the Cubs didn’t offer the QO. He would’ve accepted in a heartbeat. I expected at least 2/$40M
He was never going to get a QO.
Then they should have offered. They would have either gotten a pitcher they could have traded for that value or a draft.
Why does everyone insist on getting a leg up in these negotiations? This is why the league is headed in the direction of a work stoppage. $18m for one year of a pitcher worth 3 wins last year but likely in decline is about as fair a market value as you can get. 3 wins is $24m.
And before you say the cubs wouldn’t have been able to trade him without eating money, that may be true if they demanded a top 30 prospect. Why not take a flier on a good gutsy guy? I guarantee you if the Cubs had him and said, “Hey, give us offers on guys you don’t have a place for and are outside of your top 30 and he’s yours straight up, he would have been gone before the weekend.
You don’t do that to veterans like Hamels.
Don’t trade them when they accept a QO? That’s absurd.
The QO system is meant to be compensation for a team that has invested its faculties into a player. What’s the player care if he’s a free agent or is traded after accepting a QO?
WHAT, I thought it was philly for sure… dang.
I hate Matt Klentak
I saw you were not too fond of George Steinbrenner either.
Noooooo! Man I was hoping for a reunion with Cole the kid. $18mil is a hefty payday so I cant blame him
agreed. i probably wolnt have gone beyond 15 a year
I was thinking 2/30 to San Diego.. oh well.
that was my exact prediction as well. seemed like SD woulf be a better fit based on their current payroll situation.
He said he wants to win in 2020. Not sure why anyone would’ve picked SD knowing he wanted to be on a contender.
That’s probably what most likely happened. Phillies must have their hands in another pot to let him walk to the Braves like that.
What the hell is $3m on one of thes contracts for one year?
What can you buy in baseball these days for $3m on the market?
Y’all need to think real hard about that before you say $3m is too steep a difference for a player you want. Maybe if you did the Phillies would make the playoffs.
I’d be surprised if the Phillies even offered that. No way he chose Atlanta over Philly because of $3mil. He’s publicly stated that he never wanted to leave Philly and wants to come back. For Christ’s sake he still lives in the area! This was the Phillies low balling and then saying “no thank you.”
Or he said he wanted to be home in Philly but then also said he wanted to win. He realized it was not possible to have both of his wishes so he decided to go with the winning.
Great move. Flexible contract for a dependable postseason performer, which the Braves have lacked.
Not sure I’d call him a dependable post-season performer as he never pitched for the Cubs in the playoffs. He’s years removed from playing post-season baseball. But he does eat innings and has been very solid.
This Is A Great Signing For The Braves A Veteran Lefty That Wont Have A 5 ERA And At The Same Time Teach The Younger Guys A Thing Or Two. Now They Need To Sure Up Their Bullpen And Third Baseman Then For Sure They Will Go Far Into The Playoffs
Why is every word capital?
Good Headline
Why Do You Write In All Capital Letters It Makes Me Very Creeped Out. Why Just Why? It Doesn’t Make Any Sense. Like Who Would Do Something Like That?
Zero caps in the screen name…
The same guy that just said the Braves need to sure up their bullpen after they’ve signed like 600 relief pitchers already this offseason.
Why Ask Why? Drink Bud Dry.
The bullpen? ATL has signed every reliever in sight!
mIND bLOWN!
Sure up their Bullpen? Ummm….have you met ‘This Offseason’?
He was great for the cubs in the first half. That’s a solid one year deal for him.
Philly is gonna sign wheeler
They’ve gotta be out on Bumgarner now
Thought the same thing. The two would be rather redundant.
Why redundant?
That’s what I was thinking, out on Bumgarner and willing to pay up for Donaldson
I don’t think they were ever really in on him because of the years he wanted. Maybe a 1-2, but I think most reports said he was looking for 3-4. Atlanta doesn’t need him at 3-4 years, they have plenty of stock.
Cole also buys money from Bumgarner’s year 3 and possibly four deals to afford to give to Donaldson.
great sign by the Braves…
Solid signing. I’d love them to still get bum or Dallas to complete that rotation …. even Wheeler
Your a troll.
How is that trolling
Suggesting Dallas Keuchel to resign with the Braves. It was a fun experiment while it lasted.
Yea. Pass on the big D.
It’s not remotely trolling. And he pitched just fine for us. We still only have 4 pitcher at this point, 1 (Fried) has only 1 year track record for us to truly examine and hope he pitches just as well. Then Folty who is a complete wild card. I think having Dallas in this rotation is fine. A rotation with some order of MS, Folty, Fried, Hamels, and Dallas is nothing to scuff at. I understand it can be better, but I’m trying to be someone realistic within the Braves implied budget.
Your vs You’re ….
Of course you’d think that rotation would be fine, even though Julio was a better and cheaper option than Dallas Keuchel. Pretty sad you result to grammar corrections to defend your trash idea. Your not somebody being realistic in that budget, what budget did they release or imply? Oh they haven’t hmmmmm.
Where does newcomb fit in there? AA did actually talk about him in public if you were paying attention. Dallas is gonna try for 3 to 5 years and maybe gets it with Kansas city but not a contender. Come on man use your brain.
Why the jerk mentality here brave in Nebraska? What value do you gain from this meltdown and trashing of a fellow fan for no logical reason what so ever? Is your life so meaningless that you feel the need to troll someone with illogical demeaning jibber rather than converse in a respectable human way? Nothing I’m saying is completely unreasonable in any sense of the imagination and in fact would be a great situation if the Braves got it. I have no problem with the Braves to go get Tehran. I didn’t have a problem if we kept him. Not sure why that matters at all. I just like Dallas. Cy Young winner, played in the big games, veteran competitor. He rarely has complete meltdowns on the mound like Tehran would. But I’ll take either or for a FREAKING 5th spot! I mean my gosh! Settle down. Your comments show how little of a person you are for a completely unprovoked over reaction to such a silly situation
Once again, your idea was trash not you. Funny how when someone hears something negative they take it as an attack. Where did I write anything Illogical, Demeaning or Jibber? The answer is I didn’t. I took nothing personal, but you seem to absolutely need your safe space.
You put alot of big words for actually saying a whole lot of nothing. Need to grow some thicker skin. You have the right to share your opinion, same as me so…..thicker skin. Time to be a grown up boss. In no way did I attack or speak ill of you. If you continue to say I do I will result to calling you a liar. Your choice.
Being a fellow fan doesn’t mean your idea is great by default. Silly idea. Idc who your a fan of. Bad ideas a bad idea no matter what jersey you rock.
“Your a troll” – unprovoked, illogical, and tolling in nature of itself. Legitimately a straight personal attack, not on my ideology at all. You present something with absolutely no content whatsoever.
“Your trash ideas” – repeated insults again unprovoked. Literally a personal verbal attack on someone, no questions about it. If u dislike my ideas, you simply disagree with a counter. Instead, you insult someone and provide no logical rebuttal
“Common man use your brain” – literally another troll moment and personal attack. You’re trying to mask yourself by saying you’re attacking my ideas… but the statement does no do that.
Nothing you’re sayin actually provides real content to the conversation. You’re more focused on spitting out insulting rubbish than provided a basic human interaction.
To answer your question of “where did I write anything illogical, demeaning, or jibber. Everything that you have written falls into one of those categories. Literally everything. No thinker skin needed…. instead we just need intelligence humans to respond to these post rather than you. You can result in calling me a lair if you want, but I just spelled out exactly what you claim you didn’t with actual quotes of yours.
Again, remind yourself that this all stems from you responding “your a troll” which was 100% unprovoked, and false… not to mention the complete irony of the comment in its nature and how the conversation has continued with you trolling me. Which tip of a hat to you there… I’ll give you that. You have mastered the art of trolling
Calling you a troll is an observation not an attack. There’s a difference you should learn. Look how mad you are, why? Is your life that bad like you so referenced about mine?
I’ll take that as a concession to the conversation in my favor. Good day sir
You take whatever you feel you need. Good day to you as well
Idiot
Now whos attacking and insulting with the name calling. Knew you couldn’t leave it alone. Just sad. GROW UP!!!!!!
Keuchel is terrible. He only beats inferior teams. He folded and hard on top talent teams 90% of the time last year.
And while both of you guys need to go to maturity school…@bravesfan, you’re very wrong. Keuchel has multiple meltdowns in the regular season and didn’t get through the second time in the lineup in the post season before he got bailed out.
If Big D had done his part in game one and gone a complete 5, Martin’s injury wouldn’t have shone as sore as it did.
Brave in Nebraska…. who does this guy think he is? How’s he gonna give us a maturity lecture when his name has “69” in it…..
For the record I suggested Bum first, and also Wheeler (before he was signed). I’d prefer Bum out of all the 3, and it’s just to wrap up the 4-5th spot of the rotation
Yea, but Bumgarner looses a draft pick. Would you trade the giants a top ten player, Say Drew Waters, if bumgarner had 3-4 years on his deal at $15m+ a year and not expect them to eat $20m? If the answer is no (which it should be) then you can’t sign him for that. Hamels is the smarter move.
Ok. Ya dork. I’m not trashing the Hamels deal remotely. And a comp draft pick more often than not, doesn’t not equate to a Drew Waters type player. It could just as easily be a Braxton Davidson type player. Look, I think it’s super big stretch to complain about the Braves getting Bum vs no one in that 5th role lol. Sure one of our prospect might be big time. If that’s the argument y’all are heading too fine. But I’d rather have the vet in the rotation, give those guys a tiny bit more cooking time and let them filter in for injuries and or if someone tanks.
I have to agree with you sir. Nebraska calling you a troll for suggesting that re-signing Dallas was some crazy idea…he’s the person firing insults and instigating arguments. If anything, HE’S THE TROLL. I don’t think resigning D.K. is terrible idea at all. Nebraska is just mad his ‘Huskers suck again this year. Don’t mind him.
I’m not a fan of the huskers thank you. Single handily one of the most overrated teams. They are living like their team is from the 90s. It’s not good.
I retract the comment. And I apologize. But you were a little harsh on that BravesFan dude. Dallas might make a decent 4th or 5th starter for the Braves, but agree he is no longer a front of the rotation starter. His numbers were not terrible.
While I do agree I could have been softer on him I can assure you in no way was that me at harsh level. That’s not a good place for anyone to go with me. While Dallas maybe a decent 5th starter yes but Julio would be half the cost.
I’m sure Dallas is asking for more than the prorated amount he got which for a full season should have been around 18 million last season. I cant imagine that Dallas is going to take a pay reduction. So his numbers should be closer to maybe 21 million a season as he should be looking for a 3 to 4 year contract.
Is there one person who would be comfortable with 3/65 for Dallas cause that’s about what he is looking at. I could think of probably 30 other pitchers I would rather see in a Braves uniform at that price before Dallas. And yes Keuchels numbers weren’t bad but if they let Julio walk at his price they arent going to sign Dallas at closer to double the rate of Julio.
Think about this, I don’t think the biggest move the Braves are going to make has been made yet. Still a bigger firework in the chamber.
They need to trade for an ace or sign one that is looking closer to 5 to 7 year contract. To cover the whole beginning look on the contention window. A 3 year contract really only pushes the first true half of that window while in reality it’s those last 3 to 4 years of a 7 year that really makes the bump. So anybody that doesn’t look to have an almost guarantee of going to be playing at least 7 to 8 more years should not be in consideration.
But with the Braves they have and rightly so, put a huge value on a players ability to mesh with his teammates. How they’re going to fit in the clubhouse matters just as much to AA as the statistical side of them. They dont make sudden moves. Except for maybe the Will Smith signing.
Under the radar move to watch for. Trading for Mike Clevinger or signing Ryu. They have prospect capital that needs to move or it will waste away. Not all the players will be developed. Some will be trade fuel.
You and I certainly agree that DK will want more $$ and years than the Braves would be willing to give. Some team out there will surely be foolish enough to offer him a fat contract. As far as the Braves are concerned, I think they will make a run at Donaldson, and probably will sign him. But that’s likely the end of their spending this off-season. I don’t see them signing Bumgarner, because the Braves won’t offer him a 4-year contract, and someone else will.
First off, I was born in 1969. So…yea. Maturity.
Second off, Drew Waters was a second round pick. A comp pick would be HIGHER then Aaters draft order. A comp pick is Austin Riley. And Waters hasn’t debuted- let’s not say what kind of player he is or isn’t…but if your scouting is worth a hill of beans, then yes, comp picks are usually top prospects (unless it’s a really, really shallow class).
More cooking time? I’m not saying the jury is sold on Folty, and he does have a leash, but a spot is his. If Newcomb/Touki/Wentz/Anderson/Gohara or fill in whatever other prospects that have busted out or fallen from grace were given an MLB leash, you don’t know who could have risen to the occasion. Anderson in particular I think you’ll grow to regret. Resigning Martin dulls that blow….but I think by the summer you’re going to see performance Texas where you saw stagnation here.
Wait…why do they have to have a multi year deal? Soroka covers that window. Ian Anderson does too. You’re asking to pay hundreds of millions, and risk that money, when we have guys the project as such? Cmon man…use your brain.
And why is it that ‘harsh for you’ is way worse does that matter to anyone. If you came across harsh, that’s your responsibility alone.
And I apologize in my previous comment, I meant Kolby Allard, not Ian Anderson
I dont think either
A. You know what your talking about or
B. Have missed every bit of news on the Braves in the last year.
Touki isn’t getting another shot at the rotation. This team is already to far along to use him like that. If they do it will be for a spot start. That experiment has already been tested.
Kolby Allard was traded to the Rangers for Chris Martin.
Joey Wentz was traded to the Tigers for Shane Greene.
Luis Gohara was released earlier this year.
Cant imagine Anderson gets used this season unless AA is truly ready to release him. Compares well to a Jack Flaherty. But dont think they will start his clock.
You should really do your research before tearing into someone. That’s your responsibility. Use your brain or at least Google. Come on man…
Touki might get another shot at the rotation. That’s definitely not out of the equation but I do agree he’s starting to run out of opportunities. I think his electric stuff has elite closer written all over him but strictly my opinion. Would love to start working him there in the minors.
NO!! Don’t need to sign another starter. It will knock a young guy out, maybe. I guess if they could sign one on a 1-year deal kinda cheap, they might just because you never have enough pitching. If a Julio Teheran or an Alex Wood or someone else doesn’t find a job, they might would sign someone like that. I don’t see them spending big money on a starter now. They say Bumgarner might get a 4 yr. deal for around 72 million.
4 years 72 is a bit high. Lol. But nevertheless. If it’s around original expectations or less, we should be all over it
I really don’t think the Braves need another free agent starter, it just slows the process of a young pitcher. But!, if the Braves could trade Folty, Ender, and a couple of lower prospects, not Waters to Chicago for Bryant and Kimbrel, then go after Bumgarner.
Hamels is just a 1 year deal, so theoretically there should be a spot for them to progress into. Bum still young also, although there is mileage on that arm, I still think he’s worth it.
Now for ur crazy deal for Bryant AND expensive newly horrible Kimbrel…. pretty awful deal. First, not sure we need kimbrel especially with that contract and recent performance. 2nd It’s gonna take high prospects to get a deal done. I’d imagine Waters might be there first on the list they would want based on the hitting prospects they general develop. And adding Folty to the mix might be fine but it will still take adding top end prospects.
Agree with you about Kimbrel.
If the Braves didn’t pursue Kimbrel when he was a FA, then I doubt they would want him in a trade. He just isn’t the same pitcher now that he once was.
Thanks Klentak. However 18mil is a lot! But as a philly everything phan, you are dead to me Hamels as well!
You guys are brutal. Philly hadn’t approached him. You want him to stand there jock in hand all winter, hoping they do if they loose out elsewhere? Cmon man.
And btw- all the cubs fans here who lived the last 2 years of Cole seem to think this is a great deal for everyone.
Phils should have offered up 2 yr 37mil and I bet he’d have taken it. Lets see if he is really good like the first half of 19 or bad like the last half..
no, anyone would have been foolish to have offered that, especially the team that recently made the mistake of the Arriata signing.
He was injured the second half—he admitted he probably returned to quickly.
Nice but need one more quality starter in the rotation. Finally looks like the brass is serious about a world series run.
I think the Braves can check off starting pitching from their to-do list. Cole will be the #4 with Newcomb and others battling it out for the final spot in the spring.
Could be wrong but I’d be surprised if they sign Wheeler, MadBum or such.
As a Braves fan, I hope you’re right. I love this signing! He’s durable, solid, and will make for a great mentor. Now if they get Josh Donaldson inked, I’ll be a happy fan! Fantastic work so far by Anthopolous!
Absolutely agreed. As they should be.
The A’s in 2000 and the Braves in the 90’s didn’t get the rotations they did by not having a place for youth development. You’ve gotta mind that, or you just become all these faux dynasties that are here today and gone tomorrow.
The 90’s Braves May have only taken one WS, but they had 5-6 NL crowns and 14 straight divisional pennants. No one wants a 3 year window and a 3-5 year rebuild in cycle.
out on JD or Rendon now for sure. Go get Shaw for cheap and see if he can bounce back
A 1 yr contract doesn’t prevent them from spending on Donaldson just like last yr when Donaldson’s 1 yr contract didn’t prevent them from signing Keuchel.
Agreed, DTD_ATL. They can still easily bring back Donaldson. That’ll probably be the only big ticket signing left that they might do, but the team would look pretty good at that point!
I think Donaldson just increased. I think AA filled a 2020 checklist need without committing to 2022, so I think you’ll see the Braves consider year 4 now if needed.
Frankly, if they were as smart as I am from my armchair, they would sign Donaldson for 4/$85, but structure it front loaded with $30m this year and $30 next, then give him a year 3 opt out and a salary of $18m, then a mutual option for year 4.
Think people should look more towards Chapman from the Athletics. Wouldn’t be the first time AA has taken a 3rd baseman from them before he gets really expensive ie. Josh Donaldson.
Not a bad idea.
He’s a Gold Glove, All-Star, MVP candidate, and he is only 26 years old. The A’s would want a boatload in return for him. I doubt the Braves would be willing to make a trade like that.
I dont think a boat load for him. Austin Riley, Braxton Davidson, and Patrick Weigel and welcome to Atlanta. There are so many teams that need salary relief it’s crazy. Another great option might be looking at the Rockies for Nolan Arenado. I think they are regretting that extension especially with how bad their bullpen imploded.
Lot of money locked up and they should be scaling back and might want to unload him somewhere. If they got a package of Pache, Huascar Ynoa, and Kyle Wright. Might be a little bit over but could get really interesting if you tried a combo of Arenado and Dahl. Then you could really be cooking. Say Johan Camargo, Pache, Grayson Jenista, Jacob Webb and 2 lower level prospects and it feels complete
Acuna
Albies
Freeman
Arenado
Dahl
Swanson
Duvall
d’Arnaud
Pitcher
That would devastate most teams let alone their bullpens. Adding Dahl to that makes it more of course. Litgh on the Braves end but could get really creative with it
Very creative trade. As a Braves fan id pull the trigger on that deal, but I don’t the Rockies would. We’d need to give up more. Especially sense Nolan is the face of their franchise. But I wouldn’t doubt that this offer wouldn’t at least catch their attention and start a conversation
Last year the Braves didn’t spend as much money as they have this year. I think they signed Hamels instead of Bumgarner to save the money for Josh. They say they are still in on Madison though. If they don’t get Donaldson back, they could maybe sign Shaw on a 1-2 year deal cheap. The closer role still bothers me. Smith did help. Maybe somehow get Giles without trading top prospects off would be nice. I think the Braves are in GREAT shape now if they do nothing else though.
Damn it
Is he eligible for the QO next year?
Sure.
Not Donalson. A player can’t have a QO put on them 2 yrs. in a row. I’m pretty sure, even if it was with another team. Just like I don’t think the Braves could have put a QO on Kechuel this year because he had one on him last year.
They are talking about Hamels. He has never had a QO attached to him so AA can issue one to him at the end of next season if he wishes. I get the feeling they will resign Hamels next season for 3 years and push him into some kind of coaches role down the road after he finishes playing. Lot of baseball knowledge in Hamels.
Another nice move by the Braves. I guess they only wanted to commit to one year instead of multiple by going after MadBum who would be a better fit. I still respect the move.
Good for him. I hope he does well. He had a good run with the Cubs. Injuries plagued his season.
That’ll happen at his advanced age.
Awesome. Nailed it
Best part of this signing is that it should stick a fork on signing MadBum.
I think Madison would have been the better move ONLY if he would do one or two years. Not 3 or 4 like rumored.
you are 100% correct. I’ll take Hamels for 1 year over MadBum for 3 or 4.
Where’s that guy with the handle: BumgarnerEqualsNLCS — can’t wait for this commentary.
I’ve been CTRL-R for 5 minutes waiting to read his comments.
Good luck.
Meanwhile the cheap Mets are in on a washed up Porcello
Porcello is my sleeper FA. If he signs with a team like the Mets,Padres,Giants or Mariners- teams with larger parks that will play well to his fly ball tendencies- he may be a 2-3 WAR pitcher next year.
Agreed, he is still young enough and he won the Cy Young a few years ago!
spike a Cy Young from Verlander you mean
I actually think Porcello would pitch well in the NL. I could see the Padres being a good fit.
Hell no
That mean not Madbum but still Donaldson?
From June 28 through the end of the season he started 11 games, pitched 43 innings, ERA was 5.86 and hitters OPS’d .903 against him. He will turn 36 later this month. He was a solid starter for a long time but at this stage of his career $18 million is a lot of money. I wish him well.
He returned prematurely from an oblique injury to try to help his team make a post-season run. Cole is a gamer, a class-act and will justify that 18mil this year. Not to mention his post-season experience and intangibles he will bring to that young staff. Newcomb should follow Cole like a shadow this spring.
Agreed. Cubs fans didn’t mind what they saw from him on this thread, so I’ll take it as a good sign.
Makes sense for both sides.
Braves blew it. 18 million for a year. Should if went for cole or wheeler by adding a few years at 18 million. Both are younger.
Gerrit Cole might get $36 million per year.
You’re kidding if you think you’ll get Cole/Stras for 1 season at that rate, let alone 5-6. Seriously, add 50-75M on top of what you think they’re going to get.
AA’s M.O. is not to weigh down the future of this club, which is great. Eventually, they will sign a big deal, but hopefully it’s after extending Freeman and getting the rest of our ducks in a row.
Gotta be honest, hope they wait on the extension for Freeman just yet. He will still be there but it will be interesting what happens to Bryce Ball next season and if he makes it to AA or even AAA. Everyone is pushing kids threw at such a fast rate yet some of them can handle it. Just saying there are options and you should most definitely want to slow play this after he just had elbow surgery after the playoffs. Let him swing the bat some then we talk a little more lol
Dude…Ball is a low level, late round pick that hasn’t played a full season or moved into the top 30 prospect list yet. That’s a random thing to say.
For a guy advocating a stranger recieved a 5-7 year contract, you should advocate keeping freeman around for that window too.
Haha. Wheeler getting 20+ a year for minimum of 5 and Cole getting 35+ for probably 7. These aren’t even remotely comparable. Smart move for a team that has a bunch solid pitching prospects.
Braves are assuming their plethora of young pitchers will have another one or two ready by next year. If not, they sign another one year type. They are always going to be out there.
Good job by the Braves. They got a decent SP3 without becoming financially strapped for years by an aging vet.
Also of note, Hamels was not burdened by a QO, so the Braves didn’t lose another pick.
I’ll be cheering for Hamels to whiff Harper every game.
Braves are so much more likable than the Phillies. When you look at the Phillies you see Middleton smirking at how he scammed the fans with the Harper signing. $25 million per year, same as Ryan Howard. Middleton can tank for the pick for the next twelve years and make a fortune.
25mil per over 13years is a pretty expensive scam.Im disappointed by this,im skeptical of the Phillies free agency plans,but it’s more because MacPhail than anything.We got Harper because Middleton stepped in.
The Phillies made a fortune paying Ryan Howard $25 million per year to whiff. They could have made even more. The Phillies could tank for the pick with two guys making $25 million per year and be one of the most profitable teams in MLB.
Everyone else gets paid the minimum.
Middleton has scammed everyone.
But they’re not tanking.They’re coming off a 500 season,and brought in a respected manager and pitching coach.Tanking by being a average team is a bad strategy.Especially with a fan base that supported the 6ers throughout their tanking seasons.The teams problem is a team president that’s living off a reputation,that he built back before free agency was a big deal.
Also,a team that’s tanking don’t go out and aquire 1 of the best catchers in the game,to help convince one of the best rfs to join their team.
Harper is worth 25 a year. Its just the years he signed for were far too much.
You’re refusing to understand what I wrote.
That’s why I have to keep repeating myself.
You wrote a bunch of nonsense. Harper is a good player that the Phillies actually needed. There is no scam there or a reason that makes the Phillies less likeable than Atlanta in that senss. The Braves are a better team but no one looks at the Phillies and says “wow they signed Harper I hate them”
Ryan Howard made $25 million per year throughout the Phillies rebuild and the Phillies made a fortune.
If the Phillies surrounded HYarper with 25 guys making MLB minimum the Phillies would be the most profitable team in MLB even if not one fan went through the turnstiles.
TV CONTRACT
Plus national TV money, national merchandise money, MLB dot com money. The Phillies can turn a very healthy profit with a hundred million payroll and zero fans.
$25MM in those out years won’t seem like so much.
I’m sorry, but you can get a corner outfielder to hit .260 and 35 homers for cheaper then $25m. Michael Brantley was a more valuable player via WAR for what, 2/$25?
The Braves obviously have the available funds; there are no “bad” contracts in that scenario.
Hamels is better than any 3rd starter out there in terms of base worth/contract obligation.
In short, very good move.
Now sign Strasburg and bring Donaldson back on a fat one year deal.
Donaldson is getting a lot more than 1 year.
He bets on himself.
He’ll take $28 million on a one year deal vs. 22 million over three.
Bull. Dude he’s bet on himself when he needed to. This is his last hot at a payday.
Given the Moose deal he is probably looking at 4 years now instead of 3 at 24-25M per. 1 year?
Braves fans have griped for years on why Anthopoulis isn’t doing anything. Well, now that he is surrounded by all his former Jays guys and knows the Braves system inside and out, now you are seeing the Jays version of Anthopoulis that was GM of the year.
Isn’t it hard to gripe for “years” when the guy has been on the job for two seasons?
They were two really long, long years of griping.
Brandon McCarthy started for the Braves in 2018. That felt even longer. It was brutal.
Good for both him and the team. I thought they might get Mad-Bum but I guess that can still happen.
Cole wanted to win and the Braves are ready to take the division again. Solid deal for Cole. Smart addition for Atlanta. The best team in the NL East keeps getting better.
Gut punch for Phillies fans like me.
Seems hard to claim you are the “best” team in the division when the current “best” team in the World is in the division.
Nah, WSH didn’t win the division 2 years straight – technically don’t have Stras/Rendon/Zimmerman/Daniel Hudson – as of this writing. Sure, they’re coming off a championship, but unless they bring those pieces back – or find suitable replacements (like they did last year giving Soto Bryce’s spotlight and signing Corbin) – I’m not sure they can be considered the best team in the division right now.
The Braves won the division race. They were the best team in the division. The Nats were the best team in the playoff race. The World Series is not always the best team. The Braves are still better than the Nats on paper. Plus the Nats may lose quite a few pieces. We will see. I stand by my statement that the Braves are once again the team to beat in the NL East. The playoffs comes down to everything clicking at the right time.
The Nats aren’t the best team in the world. They had one very good seven game run last year and it happened to be the last seven games. The cheater Astros, however, (who knows if they were cheating last year?) were the better team. Sometimes the better team doesn’t win.
A little surprised. I thought Atlanta was after MadBum most. Sounds like a fair deal, though.
Love to see it. I hope the Braves go all the way this season.
I love this move for Max Fried. He’ll have at least a year of Hamels’ tutelage that can help raise his game. Here’s hoping he can also reach Newcomb, too.
Way to go Klentek! That’s what you get for taking your good old time
Wow. Doug Rau would be earning 20 million a year if he had the luxury of playing in 2019 instead of 1975.
And that does it for big FA signings in Atlanta. No way they will pay Donaldson now. Maybe they take a chance on a bounce back season for Franco? I just can’t see Atlanta shelling out another $25M/yr for Donaldson after all they’ve spent so far. IMO, Atlanta has had a great off season and remain the favorites to win the NL East again even without a premier 3B.
Well between Hamels and Melancon, 35 million is coming of the books in 2021, so maybe ownership gave the go for an increase in payroll this year.
$18 million for a 36 y/o is a bit risky but I still give the signing a solid B-. Hamels is still a quality SP.
I been talkin bout MadBum for 2 yrs but I am glad this is the signing. He brings all the intangibles that MadBum brings and its only a 1 year deal.
Hopefully now this opens up the ability to bring back JD.
It’s a one-year deal — if it doesn’t work out, Hamels is off the books.
I really like what the Braves have done this offseason — supplementing an already solid core with short-term signings that won’t hamper the club in the future.
Hamper them? They made like 100 million profit after taxes.
I like this deal for both sides. A fair payday for Hamels and only a 1 year commitment for ATL. He was lights out in Chicago til the 2nd half of last season coming off an injury. Unless you’re a Braves hater/troll, can’t see any reason to criticize this move.
Glad the white Sox didn’t sign him. To much money for an aging and declining SP
18 million is a little much. I was hoping the Phils could get him on at 2 years 30 million. Time to focus on getting Zack Wheeler and Mad Bum
SERIOUSLY!… $18 MILLION? I don’t think the best players in the world should make $18 million a year, let alone a 36 year old (good not great) pitcher
Let’s hear your argument on why the best players in the world shouldn’t get 18 million when the owners makes billions off of them.
Because he is the best burger flipper in the world & he makes $10 an hour
A gutsy move for Hamels. A nice payday at $18MM but a one year deal…he’s banking on himself. I would’ve guessed he’d go for 2/$30MM at his age, and I would’ve guessed he could’ve gotten it. Oh well, good deal for both sides. Atlanta pays up for the short deal, which makes perfect sense with the arms they’re developing. And Hamels gets the nice AAV.
Can we get partial points for guessing the right division? Because damn. Pretty sure I’d go from the bottom 5% to at LEAST the top 90%.
Guess that means JD is out
I like it. No big risk in a one-year deal. They were never going to spend on Wheeler, let alone Cole or Strasburg. But you need quality guys to fill in the rotation. Might as well get a veteran who can still pitch effectively.
Probably means MadBum is going elsewhere.
And here’s your 2020 NL East Champions (again)!
Another good move by AA, he likes the short term contracts since getting burned in the Syndergaard trade.
Terrible signing. This time Alex screwed up
Do you realize the market for SP?
MadBum price would exceed $100M at this point, Braves aren’t going there for him. What would be interesting is a trade for Lindor and plug Riley into 3B. Lindor replaces JD’s offense. Riley has no pressure from the offensive side of the ball and should excel…
Sorry, I don’t see MadBum getting $100MM+, unless Wheeler gets close to Corbin money, which I can’t imagine. Does Lindor teach Riley how to hit offspeed pitches away or is that presupposing Dansby retires early and takes a full-time role teaching Riley his recent teachings?
Dansby is part of the trade package for Lindor. Austin Riley was trying too hard to earn a spot on the 25 man roster. Give him less pressure at the plate and those sliders will die off the plate and his walk rate goes up. We have an up and coming SS and Camargo would be our backup for now. Lindor for two years would be huge for our team.
Yes, I’ve given up on Swanson…
26 Man roster in 2020 dude.
Well you might wanna check the deal. Wheeler got almost exactly Corbin money.
Lots of money for Cole but great player they signed. Surprised he signed so early. Was hoping NY would take a look at him if/when Cole/Strasburg/Wheeler sign elsewhere.
The Braves have two spots open on their 40-man. Hopefully that means JD and a quality utility player.
3yr/$69M with an option on a 4th year with a $5M buyout.
Why are so many people admitting to be a Phillies fan?
Braves are going to trade Inciarte and his contract away and go after a trade for Starling Marte. He would only be around 4 million dollars more expensive than Inciarte. This would give the braves a better outfield bat to supplement the loss of Donaldson. However, if liberty is serious about spending then they will bring back Donaldson. I think the braves could get solid production though out of a full season of Riley and Camargo at third, and spend more money on the rotation. That’s what when’s a world series.
Just a little advice for Hamels… don’t use him against the Phillies. He oddly “struggles” against his old team.
I meant advice for the Braves
It’s only been two games, but man, 22 baserunners in 6 innings is less than ideal lol
Yeah, he was brutal in those appearances. To top it off, he had a wry little grin on his face when he got the hook.
There goes the cubs dynasty talk
Perfectly fine with this move…as long as they sign Bumgarner as well. Been saying the Braves need to go after 2 starters. If the Braves don’t get Bumgarner, the rotation will still be a problem and the Braves might be gearing up for another first-round exit. Of course, they have to make the playoffs again and hope they can beat up on the Marlins again to get there.
Get Bumgarner. Get a bat (at third or OF). The Braves are set for a run!
They likely won’t be willing to spend on Bumgarner and 3B/OF. The rotation is set up fine, especially with the bullpen so improved. There’s always deadline deals if a need arises for the pitching staff and there could be a breakout among the youngsters.
Another bat is a need. Lineup spots 4-8 look very weak currently.
so does 2-5 in the rotation.
Bumgarner is no more the solution to the Braves rotation needs than Hamels was. We pick up Bumgarner and you will see him running around with a 4.50 ERA or higher. Neither of us have crystal balls but I DO know what his pitching looks like outside of Oracle park. You have faith.
@bravesCanada exactly how does 4-8 look weak in the lineup? It’s the same lineup with a pending mark on the 4 spot ad McCann not at 7, but D’Arunad there instead. Travis got better then Brian last year.
@Bumgarner…how is 2-5 weak? Hamels was good enough for the Cubs. He’s a solid 3. Do you expect attrition from both Soroka and Fried? Frankly, the team doesn’t have a set #2, but I think they’ve got 6 guys who are solid 3-4’s, and mainly 3’s. You dog Folty, but in Game 2 of the DS he gave you an ace performance. In game 5 it was a turd, but that’s the definition of a #3..a guy with like a 2.9-3.6 ERA that can throw a shutout and will give you 180+ IP. That’s Folty by definition.
Y’all also act like the bullpen didn’t just shorten what the team needs from starters.
Why are they waiting to resign JD? I thought they would have inked him prior to Thanksgiving.. I’m betting JD doesn’t want to return to the Braves. What else does AA have up his sleeve.. or how much spending money did Liberty give him to spend?
Trade for Matt Chapman
It’s simple why Donaldson hasn’t signed – dollars. Braves want him, he wants Braves, but this is his one chance at the big deal. Nobody to blame, just business.
Wish him the best. Wish he was still a CUB. Nice deal for both parties, I think he has still got it! Maybe a bit pricey, good luck!!!
This signing is OK, but I take issue with the length of the contract.
Another big mistake by the cubs. They seem to get worse and worse daily now.
Oh, you didn’t know? The cubs are going to win 95 games next season, according to cubs fans.
Carmago, Waters, Wright for Archer and Kebryan Hayes
No. Just no!
The Pirates are not getting prospects back that are similar to what they gave up for Archer.
So Braves Trade 2 top 50 prospects and a proven, thought he had a bad 2019 because of lack of playing time, MLB player for a mediocre 3/4 pitcher and a minor league 3b.. Naw they are good.
Yeh that’s a good deal , plus the pirates are dumb and would probably accept less . But tbh you could flip either Pache or Waters, Braves are a win now team and both pache and waters SHOULD be looked at as trade chips and if you can trade one for another youngster at a position you need help ,even better , it’s a win win , plus archer could definitely be a bounce back player
Don’t understand all the hate for this deal. Every team in MLB should be willing to overpay for short term deals. It beats watching a long term player nose dive and stink it up year after year.
Thank you. I wish more people would realize how valuable these deals are.
The Mets should have signed him. Number one to replace Wheeler. #2: he eats innings. #3: give pointers to Steven Matz, and help that lefty learn how to be consistent, for he is the most frustrating talent on the Mets.#4 mentor # 1 pick David Peterson along, at least in Spring Training.
I guess now the focus will be on Rick Porcello for the Mets. The Braves got a crafty pitcher. Good luck to him.
Teheran is just as good as Hamels and Braves could have kept him for cheaper. This deal makes no sense to me.
I’d take Hamels, any day and twice on Sundays, over Teheran.
Julio was getting just too-unpredictable the last 2 seasons. You never knew how he would pitch. You couldn’t depend on him. I think this was a good move by the Braves, not picking up Julio’s option and signing Hamels. You may not know with Hamels yet, I think he does good.
You are a complete idiot to say Tehran is in a class with Cole Hamels. They aren’t close.
Lets compare their numbers over the last few years
Cole Hamels (2016-2019): 681 IP, 3.74 ERA, 4.28 FIP, 1.29 WHIP, 8.3 H/9, 3.3 BB/9, 8.4 SO/9
Julio Teheran (2016-2019): 726.2 IP, 3.86 ERA, 4.53 FIP, 1.23 WHIP, 7.6 H/9, 3.5 BB/9, 8.0 SO/9
They aren’t close?
Wow this is steep.
don’t worry Phillies fans, Hamels is just working behind enemy lines
Hreat!! Goid move getting the Veteran. Now let’s see the Braves move Riley, Drew Waters, Bryce Wilson & Touki Toussaint to the A’s for Matt Chapman & sign Brock Holt then Taijuan Walker & call it an Off Season
I’m sure most clubs won’t confirm cole hammers contract with the braves either. Good singing for the braves, gives the up and coming starters another year to develop, just like in the 1990s braves. Hopefully. Hammels can teach these younger starters a pitch or two.
The Phillies offer to Hamels was half of what he got from the Braves? Good luck in that reunion w Cole down the line, geez
Whats next
Cole ??
The Cubs need a leadoff hitter. The Braves could send Ender, Folty, and a couple of low prospects to them for Bryant and Kimbrel. If they don’t get Donaldson back. Then try and sign Bumgarner or Julio or Alex Wood.
Cole “swole” Hamels
If the Braves cannot re-sign Donaldson and the Dodgers do ink Rendon to a deal, I would love to see ATL put together a package to get Turner from LA for the 3B hole.