The Los Angeles Dodgers continued their veteran shopping spree on Tuesday, finalizing their two-year contract with Aaron Harang. The deal is worth a total of $12 million guaranteed, and includes a vesting option for 2014.
“Aaron gives us added depth and another veteran arm to add to our starting rotation,” said Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti. “He had a solid year with the Padres last season and his addition gives us an experienced one through five heading into Spring Training.”
Harang will make $3 million in 2012, $7 million in 2013, and has a vesting option in 2014, per Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times. If the option doesn't vest, the Dodgers can buyout the option for $2 million. Harang's option can be worth between $7-8 million depending on innings pitched:
- $8 million if Harang pitches 400 innings combined in 2012-2013
- $7.5 million if Harang pitches 380 innings in 2012-2013, including 180 innings in 2013
- $7 million if Harang pitches 360 innings in 2012-2013, including 175 innings in 2013
Harang was 14-7 with a 3.64 ERA in 28 starts with the San Diego Padres in 2011, though away from pitcher-friendly Petco Park he had a 4.70 ERA in 11 starts and batters hit .317/.374/.504 against him. The Padres declined their half of his $5 million mutual option for 2012, opting instead to pay Harang a $500,000 buyout.
The Dodgers now have five starting pitchers under contract for at least the next two seasons with Harang rounding out a staff with Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley, Ted Lilly, and Chris Capuano.
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