A number of MLB teams are looking to avoid arbitration hearings with their players, so signing them before February has become a priority. The Toronto Blue Jays, Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals took care of some business on Thursday.
The Blue Jays perhaps made the most important settlement of the three clubs. Toronto agreed with reliever Brett Cecil on a one-year, $2.475 million contract, according to Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com, as the left-hander was in his second year of arbitration eligibility. Cecil, 28, has been one of the most consistent relievers in the league over the past two seasons, posting a 2.82 ERA in 60 games (60 2/3 innings) in 2013 and a 2.70 ERA in 66 games (53 1/3) innings this past year.
The six-year veteran is currently listed as the closer on Toronto's depth chart, but that's likely to change because the team has said they were exploring options to fill the vacancy left by Casey Janssen.
In Texas, the Rangers avoided arbitration with a reliever of their own. Neftali Feliz agreed to a one-year, $4.125 million deal, according to Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News. The right-hander was also in his second year of arbitration eligibility after making $3 million last season, during which he maintained a 1.99 ERA and 0.98 WHIP in 30 games (31 2/3 innings). He missed much of the year as he was rehabbing from Tommy John surgery while also dealing arm inflammation.
He notched 13 saves as the team's closer in the second half of the season and should assume the same role in 2015 if all goes well in spring training.
In the National League, the St. Louis Cardinals retained their backup catcher, who has spent all of his four MLB seasons with the team. Tony Cruz agreed to a one-year, $775,000 deal and avoided arbitration, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. The 28-year-old has played in only 190 games since 2011 and owns a stat line of .225/.271/.310 with three home runs and 47 RBIs.
We have more updates coming regarding arbitration signings throughout the league.
UPDATE: According to Heyman, Toronto settled with outfielder Michael Saunders on Friday on a one-year, $2.875 million contract.
UPDATE: The Texas Rangers have avoided arbitration with pitcher Ross Detwiler, according to Heyman, and the two sides agreed to a one-year, $3.45 million deal.
