Phillies sign Chad Gaudin to minor league contract

The Philadelphia Phillies have signed right-hander Chad Gaudin to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to spring training, according to a team announcement. According to a source with direct knowledge of the contract, Gaudin will receive $750K if he makes the Phillies' major league roster.

Gaudin, who drew interest from about six teams this winter, will head to spring training with the Phillies in hopes of cracking the major league roster as a swingman. We reported yesterday that Philadelphia had an offer out to a pitcher who could both start and relieve, so the addition of Gaudin likely ends their pursuit of arms for the winter.

In 30 appearances (12 starts) with the Giants last season, the 30-year old Gaudin was 5-2 with a 3.06 ERA in 97 innings of work. His statistics make it surprising that he would have to settle for a minor league contract as a free agent, but it seems likely that he will make the Phillies' roster out of spring training.

In eleven major league seasons with the Rays (2003-2004), Athletics (2006-2008, 2010), Cubs (2008), Padres (2009), Yankees (2009-2010), Nationals (2011), Marlins (2012) and Giants (2013), Gaudin has posted a career 45-44 record and 4.44 ERA in 344 appearances (87 starts).