Today was the day where players agree to a 1-year contract to avoid arbitration or agree to extensions. If no contract is reached, the player and the team file their numbers. If the player and team cannot come to an agreement, they will go to an arbitrator anywhere from February 1st to the 21st.
The Cubs signed infielder Luis Valbuena to a 1-year contract worth 1.71 million in his second year of arbitration. Last season, Valbuena made 930,00 in his first year of arbitration. Valbuena will compete for a starting spot in spring training at third base.
The Cubs signed outfielder Nate Schierholtz to a 1-year deal worth 5 million in his third and final year of arbitration. Last season, Schierholtz made 2.75 million. 2.25 in base salary and 500,00 in bonuses.
The Cubs signed relief pitcher James Russell to a 1-year contract worth 1.775 million in his second year of arbitration. Last season, Russell made 1.075 million.
Theo Epstein confirms the Cubs have come to an agreement with relief pitcher Pedro Strop. Terms of the contract were a 1-year contract worth 1.325 million. This is Strop’s 1st year of arbitration.
Four Cubs filed for arbitration today and here are the numbers:
For the starting pitchers: Jeff Samardzija filed for 6.2 million and the Cubs are at 4.4 million, while Travis Wood filed for 4.25 million and the Cubs are at 3,5 million.
Outfielder Justin Ruggiano filed for 2.45 million and the Cubs are at 1.5 million. Second baseman Darwin Barney filed for 2,8 million and the Cubs are at 1.8 million.
About a month ago, the Cubs avoided arbitration with catcher George Kottaras (1.075 million, plus incentives) and infielder Donnie Murghy (825,000, plus incentives).