Phillies Sign Right-Hander Aaron Harang

The Phillies on Monday announced the signing of veteran right-hander Aaron Harang to a one-year, $5 million contract that also includes performance and awards bonuses.

Harang, 36, will help to fill the Phillies rotation in 2015, as the club finally appears to be looking toward the future.

While signing a 36-year-old pitcher may not seem like the club looking toward the future, it is. The Phillies will need someone to eat some innings in 2015 while their young pitchers continue to develop in the farm system, and Harang can do just that.

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At $5 million, Harang is a somewhat cheap stopgap for a team in transition and will provide the club with more financial flexibility moving forward. Harang could also be a nice trade piece at the deadline (e.g., Roberto Hernandez in 2014) as the club looks to restock its farm system with younger talent.

"Aaron brings a wealth of experience and durability to our rotation," said Phillies Senior Vice President & General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. "He had a very solid season for the Braves last year and will complement the left-handers in our rotation nicely."

Harang went 12-12 with a 3.57 ERA and 1.36 WHIP across 204 1/3 innings for the Atlanta Braves in 2014.

The Harang signing puts the Phillies up to 39 players on their 40-man roster.

By: Kyle Babcock
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