The Atlanta Braves have agreed to a one-year, $18 million deal with Cole Hamels.

Hamels didn't receive a qualifying offer from the Chicago Cubs, which means the Braves don't have to surrender a draft pick.

“When it came down to it, I wanted to play on a contender,” Hamels said. “I was very familiar with the Braves. I’ve watched them in the postseason and I’ve seen what they’ve been able to create. I’ve always been following them in hopes of maybe being able to pitch with some of those guys, because they have such good young talent. I know at my stage of my career what I could provide could be beneficial.”

Hamels posted a 3.81 ERA while logging 141 2/3 innings over 27 starts for the Cubs this season.