The Cleveland Indians and starting pitcher Justin Masterson avoided arbitration Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year deal, according to multiple media reports.
The deal is worth $9.76 million, according to CBSSports.com.
According to MLB.com, during Tuesday’s morning workout, Masterson threw off a mound in a bullpen session with general manager Chris Antonetti looking on.
Through the arbitration process, Masterson was seeking $11.8 million, while the Indians countered with $8.05 million.
The two sides concentrated on a one-year contract to avoid arbitration with the plan of talking later about a long-term deal. Masterson is eligible for free agency next offseason.
“We’ve got plenty of time to work on anything like that,” the right-handed Masterson told MLB.com. “It’s just working through it, what the value is, what’s reasonable pay, how things work. It’s a different system, especially when you’ve got to be really smart about how you move your money around and you want to make sure you’re making a good investment.
“You’ve got to truly believe in the guy. Not that they don’t truly believe in me, but it’s what you’re working through in that process. It’s easy for us when it’s not our money to throw it around and say, ‘Just do this.’ When it’s your own money, you say, ‘ I think we’re going to think about this a little bit more.’ It doesn’t bother me.”
Masterson, who will turn 29 years old in March, went 14-10 with a 3.45 ERA and a team-high 195 strikeouts in 193 innings for the Indians last season. He has gone 44-55 with a 4.08 ERA in parts of five seasons with Cleveland.