The Philadelphia Phillies have added a starting pitcher to join their rotation in 2015 while the Kansas City Royals signed a former closer of the Phillies to join their deep bullpen.
Philadelphia signed Aaron Harang to a one-year, $5 million contract on Monday, according to Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly. The Phillies are currently rebuilding as they look to trade some of their aging veterans for young talent. The starting rotation is perhaps their biggest question mark, with Cole Hamels being the only experienced, successful and healthy pitcher on the roster. Cliff Lee had elbow issues at the end of last season and they have youngster David Buchanan and veteran Jerome Williams behind him.
Harang provides some stability for 2015. The 36-year-old rebounded with the Atlanta Braves last season and went 12-12 with a 3.57 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in 33 starts (204 1/3 innings). Harang struggled with the Cincinnati Reds from 2008-2010 (combined 4.71 ERA) and then again in 2013 with the Seattle Mariners and New York Mets (5-12 with a 5.40 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in 25 starts). The veteran will enter his 14th year in the league and help eat innings for a largely incomplete starting rotation.
If the Phillies trade Hamels, which has been one of the most talked about rumors since the 2014 deadline, they'll definitely need Harang to have another campaign similar to his one with Atlanta.
In Kansas City, the Royals continue to make cost-effective signings this offseason. Former Phillies' closer Ryan Madson is the latest to join the 2014 runner-ups as the two sides agreed to a one-year minor-league deal on Sunday. The contract is worth $850,000 plus $150,000 in incentives, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. The 34-year-old hasn't pitched since 2011.
Madson was the closer for the Phillies that year and logged a 2.37 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 32 saves in 60 2/3 innings, but that offseason Philadelphia signed Jonathan Papelbon to a four-year, $50 million contract and let Madson walk in free agency. Madson then signed with the Reds, but was injured in spring training and underwent Tommy John surgery. He missed all of 2012, experienced a failed comeback attempt in 2013 with the Los Angeles Angels, and sat out all of 2014. He'll now join the Royals in spring training.
Madson joins starters Edinson Volquez and Kris Medlen, relievers Luke Hochevar and Jason Frasor, outfielder Alex Rios and designated hitter Kendrys Morales as the team's offseason acquisitions.