Jays Give Hamilton $17M Contract

Right-hander Joey Hamilton, acquired by Toronto on Dec. 13, agreed Monday to a $17 million, three-year contract with the Blue Jays.

Hamilton, who made $3.25 million last season, gets $4.25 million next year, $5.25 million in 2000 and $7.5 million in 2001.

Hamilton, 28, was 13-13 last season with a 4.40 ERA. He was obtained from the San Diego Padres for right-handers Woody Williams and Carlos Almanzar and minor-league outfielder Peter Tucci.

Hamilton was San Diego's first-round selection -- eighth overall -- in the 1991 amateur draft. He is 55-44 with a 3.84 ERA in five major league seasons.

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