Report: Braves add King Felix on minor-league deal
The Atlanta Braves and free-agent right-hander Felix Hernandez have agreed to a minor-league deal with a non-roster invite to spring training worth $1 million, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
Hernandez has spent his entire 15-year career to date with the Seattle Mariners. Though not guaranteed a roster spot once the regular season starts, the 2010 AL Cy Young winner will be vying for the fifth starter's gig with the Braves.
Atlanta already brought in left-hander Cole Hamels this offseason to complement a rotation tentatively consisting of Mike Soroka, Mike Foltynewicz, Max Fried, and Sean Newcomb.
Hernandez, 33, is coming off a string of sub-par seasons culminating with a 2019 campaign where he went 1-8 with a 6.40 ERA and 1.54 WHIP across 15 starts.
Still, from 2008-15, Hernandez was a phenomenon on the mound. Over those eight seasons, the six-time All-Star went 113-76 with a 2.90 ERA and 1.14 WHIP while throwing more than 200 innings each year.
He's also the most recent hurler to throw a perfect game, accomplishing the feat against the Tampa Bay Rays on Aug. 15, 2012.