PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Cole Hamels and the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a $144 million, six-year contract that prevents the 2008 World Series MVP from becoming a free agent after the season, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.
The person, speaking on condition of anonymity because an announcement hasn’t been made, said the deal includes a vesting option for a seventh year. The Phillies are planning an official announcement before Wednesday’s game against Milwaukee.
It’s the largest contract signed by a Philadelphia athlete and second-highest for a pitcher behind the $161 million deal the New York Yankees gave CC Sabathia in December 2008.
The deal was originally reported by FOXSports.com.
