The Atlanta Braves and veteran right-hander Felix Hernandez have an agreement on a minor-league deal that also includes an invite to spring training according to a report by MLB Network’s Jon Heyman. Hernandez will earn $1 million if he makes the major league roster and will be in competition for Atlanta’s fifth starter.
King Felix Hernandez signs NRI deal with Braves.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 20, 2020
$1,000,000. Will try for 5th starter
Hernandez will turn 34 in April and is coming off of his worst season as a professional where he posted a 6.40 ERA and a 6.00 FIP in 71 2/3 innings with the Mariners. Hernandez was once one of the best pitchers in baseball up until 2014 but has struggled with injuries and diminished stuff of late. He has accumulated over 2,700 innings pitched in the majors so there is a question as to whether he has anything left to offer at this point.
Mike Soroka, Mike Foltynewicz, Max Fried and Cole Hamels all appear as locks to open the season in the starting rotation. Hernandez will be competing with the likes of Kyle Wright, Bryse Wilson and Sean Newcomb for the fifth starter spot. Pitchers and catchers will report to North Port on February 12.