Phillies Sign Hamels To 1-Year Deal; Avoid Arbitration

The Phillies have avoided arbitration with Cole Hamels, agreeing to a one-year, $15 million deal with the veteran left-hander, and infielder Wilson Valdez.

Hamels went 14-9 with a 2.79 ERA last season, when he earned $9.5 million. In six major league seasons, the two-time all-star is 74-54 with a 3.39 ERA and 10 complete games.

Valdez hit .249 last season with 14 double, four triples, a home run and 30 RBIs. The utility man started 33 games at second base, 21 at third and 20 at shortstop, but his most memorable moment came on May 25, when he made his first career appearance as a relief pitcher and earned the win in the Phillies' 19-inning victory over the Reds.

Rightfielder Hunter Pence is the only Phillie remaining eligible for arbitration. Pence is seeking $11.8 million in arbitration, while the team is offering $9 million. His salary will be determined by a panel of arbitrators if an agreement can't be reached. Hearings are held in the first two weeks of next month. Pence made $6.9 million last season.