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The Chicago Cubs announced on Tuesday that they signed veteran starting pitcher Scott Baker to a one-year contract. Baker spent the past seven seasons of his career in the AL Central with the Minnesota Twins, but he did not pitch in 2012 after undergoing Tommy John surgery the previous year.
Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reports that the one-year deal is worth $5.5 million, with another $1.5 million in incentives available for the veteran right hander.
Baker appeared in 163 games with the Twins, posting a 4.15 ERA and 63-48 record. He was firmly entrenched in Ron Gardenhire's rotation for the past five seasons. In 2011, he pitched in 23 games and finished with a 3.14 ERA and 8-6 record.
It's the first signing for Theo Epstein and the Cubs this offseason. Baker will undoubtedly occupy a spot in the rotation, and after sitting out the entire 2012 season, he should be ready for the start of the season in April.