Atlanta Braves Sign John Danks to Minor League Deal
On Monday, former White Sox starter John Danks signed a minor-league deal with the Atlanta Braves. The veteran left-hander also received an invitation to major league spring training, where he’ll have the opportunity to compete for a roster spot.
After the White Sox released him in May, Danks missed the majority of the 2016 season. Through his first four starts for Chicago, he posted a 7.25 ERA. That included five home runs and 11 walks in just over 22 innings. After he went 0-4 to start the year, the White Sox were eager to part ways with Danks. That included paying him the remainder of his $15.75 million salary for 2016.
The Texas Rangers drafted Danks in 2003. After being traded to Chicago, Danks became an invaluable part of the rotation. The White Sox signed him to a five-year, $65 million contract extension prior to the 2012 season, but it didn’t work out as planned. Shoulder surgery forced him to miss much of the first year of the deal. After he returned in 2013, Danks’ velocity had declined sharply, and his command was inconsistent.
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As a result, Danks has never been the pitcher he was prior to signing that contract. Since 2012, he has not had an ERA below 4.70, and his innings top out at 193.2.
However, the Braves have nothing to lose with this signing.
If Danks earns a spot on the big league roster, they would only owe him $1.5 million for the season, according to MLB Trade Rumors.
Atlanta has also sought out two other, more-expensive veterans for their rotation this winter. In November, the Braves signed right-hander R.A. Dickey to an $8 million deal. The 42-year-old knuckleballer isn’t even the elder statesman of the rotation: 44-year-old Bartolo Colon will have that honor. Colon’s contract is worth $12.5 million, so both he and Dickey are all but guaranteed spots in the rotation during the season.
The Atlanta Braves signed Colon and Dickey to balance out a youthful, inexperienced rotation that could benefit from veteran guidance. Danks can provide that leadership, as well, but first he will have to prove that he is ready for a comeback season.
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