AP sources: Cole Hamels gets minor league deal with Padres

By BERNIE WILSON
AP Sports Writer

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Left-hander Cole Hamels has agreed to a minor league contract with his hometown San Diego Padres that will pay him $2 million if he reaches the big league roster, according to two people with knowledge of the deal.

The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Thursday because the deal is contingent on Hamels passing a physical. The former World Series MVP is expected to report this weekend to spring training in Peoria, Arizona.

Hamels, 39, made one start for the Atlanta Braves in 2020 and hasn’t pitched since then. He had shoulder surgery in 2021.

Hamels, who went to Rancho Bernardo High, was a first-round draft pick by Philadelphia in 2002 and was the MVP of the 2008 World Series with the Phillies. He pitched for the Phillies for 10 seasons and also was with Texas and the Chicago Cubs. He is 163-122 with a 3.43 ERA and 2,560 strikeouts in 15 seasons.

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