Chapman, 26, saved 36 games in 38 chances with a 2.00 ERA and 106 strikeouts in 54 innings -- overcoming an injury after being hit in the face by a line drive during spring training. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Cincinnati Reds and left-handed closer Aroldis Chapman avoided arbitration Friday by agreeing to a one-year contract for the 2015 season.
Terms of the deal were not released, but Chapman reportedly will earn $8.05 million this season. Chapman had filed for $8.7 million and the Reds offered $6.65 million.
Chapman had a base salary of $5 million last season as part of the six-year, $30.25 million free agent contract he signed in January 2010 following his defection from Cuba. Chapman is under team control through the 2016 season, but he is in his second year of arbitration. He will be eligible for arbitration again before next season.
Chapman, 26, saved 36 games in 38 chances with a 2.00 ERA and 106 strikeouts in 54 innings — overcoming an injury after being hit in the face by a line drive during spring training. He came back after undergoing emergency facial surgery and made his third consecutive All-Star appearance.
