The Chicago Cubs announced today that they have avoided arbitration with starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija. Samardzija will earn 5.34 million for the 2014 season. Samardzija initially asked for 6.2 million and the Cubs were only offering 4.4 million.
Samardzija’s arbitration hearing was set for Monday in St. Petersberg, Florida if no deal was reached.
A few days ago the Cubs avoided arbitration with second baseman Darwin Barney. Barney will make 2.3 million for the 2014 season. Barney initially asked for 2.8 million and the Cubs were offering 1.8 million. Barney and the Cubs settled at the midpoint.
Barney will come into camp as the starting second baseman, but may not last long. Prospect Arismendy Alcantara is waiting in the wings for his call-up.
With Samardzija’s seal in place, the Cubs have signed all of their arbitration eligible players. Here’s the arbitration eligible players and their contracts for the 2014 season:
Donnie Murghy: 825,000, plus incentives
George Konttaras: 1.075 million, plus incentives
Luis Valbuena: 1.71 million
Pedro Strop: 1.35 million
Nate Schierholtz: 5 million
James Russell: 1.775 million
Travis Wood: 3.9 million
Justin Ruggiano: 2 million
Darwin Barney: 2.3 million
Jeff Samardzija: 5.345 million
Other news and notes:
*The Cubs likely will not sign Japenese pitcher Suk-Min Yoon.
*The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed former Cubs pitcher Paul Maholm. Believed to be a minor-league deal.
*The Miami Marlins have signed ex-Cub pitcher Carlos Marmol to a one-year deal.
*The Washington Nationals have signed former Cub catcher Koyie Hill to a minor league deal.