The Philadelphia Phillies and right-handed pitcher Aaron Harang have agreed to a one-year contract worth $5 million, per their announcement Monday afternoon:
#PhilliesUpdate: RHP Aaron Harang signed to 1-yr contract, bringing experience & durability to the rotation. pic.twitter.com/JwiqXsEBxj
— Phillies (@Phillies) January 5, 2015
CSNPhilly.com's Jim Salisbury first reported the Phillies' interest in the 36 year-old, who has a 122-128 career record with a 4.21 ERA over 13 seasons.
Also hearing buzz that Phillies are poking around on free agent pitcher Aaron Harang. Phils have been looking for short term pitching fit.
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyCSN) December 31, 2014
The deal with Harang, who will wear #34 with the team, includes performance and awards bonuses. Last season with the Braves in 204.1 innings, he posted a respectable 12-12 record with a 3.57 ERA.
As the Philadelphia Daily News' Ryan Lawrence writes, veteran starters like Harang and Wandy Rodriguez could be flipped for prospects, and that they are simply "placeholders" until the Phillies' young talent are ready:
Rodriguez and Harang are probably no more than placeholders until the likes of Nola are major-league ready. If the veteran starters are successful, the Phillies could easily spin them in trades this summer.
Matt Rappa (@mattrappa) is a contributor to Philliedelphia.com.