Los Angeles Dodgers ink Lefty Paul Maholm

The Los Angeles Dodgers and left-handed starting pitcher Paul Maholm have agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million deal, the team announced Saturday. Maholm can make up to $6 million in incentive bonuses, according to media reports. 

The announcement of Maholm's signing came after a long day of speculation of Maholm. It was reported earlier in the day that Maholm had a locker in the Dodgers' Spring Training clubhouse and that he was taking a physical. Still, no confirmation came from either party (the Dodgers or Maholm) until the announcement came Saturday evening.

The 31-year-old was not great in 2013 with the Braves. He posted a 10-11 record with a 4.41 ERA and a 1.412 WHIP (88 ERA+) in 26 starts. Nonetheless, the former eight overall pick (Pirates 2003 Draft), pitched very well in 2012, going 13-11 with 3.67 ERA (111 ERA+) in 32 games (31 starts) while splitting time between the Cubs and the Braves. Maholm has a 96 ERA+ in eight years, 37 days Major League service time.

Many view the signing as a steal for the Dodgers, and I completely agree. The Dodgers are getting a starter one year removed from a good season on a very low rate. In a free agent market where Ricky Nolasco gets $49 million, signing Paul Maholm to a $1.5 million deal is a very wise move. He'll join a star-studded rotation led by Clayton Kershaw and Zach Grienke.