Braves sign R.A. Dickey to 1-year, $8 million deal

The Braves have signed right-hander R.A. Dickey to a 1-year, $8 million deal, according to a club announcement. The deal includes an $8 million club option for 2018.

Atlanta was expected to be aggressive in its search for starting pitching this offseason, and made the league’s first free-agent strike by signing Dickey. General manager John Coppolella said via text this morning that the team “will keep looking for more rotation help,” likely adding “at least one and maybe two” arms before Opening Day.

The knuckleballer will provide a veteran presence and eat innings alongside Julio Teheran, Mike Foltynewicz, Matt Wisler, Aaron Blair and Josh Collmenter in a rotation mix that is likely to change even more as the offseason goes on. Atlanta has been linked to controllable arms on the trade market, such as Chris Sale (White Sox) and Chris Archer (Rays).

Dickey, who turned 42 last month, was 10-15 with a 4.46 ERA in 30 appearances (29 starts) with the Blue Jays in his final year with the club in 2016. The former Cy Young winner returns to the NL East where he had great success with the Mets (2.95 ERA in three seasons from 2010 to 2012) after four years in the American League.

Jon Heyman of FanRagSports first reported the value of the deal and option.