REPORT: Chicago Cubs sign RHP Jason Hammel to one-year, $6M deal

The Chicago Cubs and free-agent starter Jason Hammel agreed to a one-year deal on Friday afternoon, reports Fox Sports Ken Rosenthal.

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Hammel will receive six million in 2014 plus one million in incentives, according to CBS Sports Jon Heyman.

The 31-year-old spent last season with the Baltimore Orioles and went 7-8. In 139 1/3 innings, Hammel posted a 4.97 ERA and 1.23 WHIP while striking out 96 and walking 48.

The right-hander was drafted in the 10th round of the 2002 amateur draft by the then Tampa Bay Rays and will enter his ninth year in the majors in 2014. Hammel has posted a 49-59 career record with a 4.80 ERA, struck out 717 and walked 343 in 989 1/3 innings with the Rays, Colorado Rockies, and Orioles.

Hammel initially wanted a three-to-four year deal and the Cleveland Indians and San Francisco Giants were reportedly the favorites to sign.

Hammel looks to take the third spot behind Jeff Samardzija, Travis Wood, and Edwin Jackson with Jake Arrieta likely to take the fifth spot. On a one-year deal, Hammel fits the mid-season trade option for the Cubs like Paul Maholm and Scott Feldman the past two years.

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