Miami, FL (SportsNetwork.com) – The Miami Marlins were able to obtain contract
agreements with four arbitration-eligible players prior to Friday’s deadline,
though three others will be headed to hearings after failing to come to terms.
Closer Steve Chisek, starting pitcher Henderson Alvarez, newly acquired second
baseman Dee Gordon and reliever Aaron Crow all reached deals with the club on
one-year contracts.
The three players who have elected to go to arbitration is headed by pitcher
Mat Latos, with reliever Mike Dunn and right-hander David Phelps also
remaining unsigned.
According to MLB.com, the Marlins have a team policy of not continuing
negotiations with players who don’t come to agreements by the salary exchange
deadline. Arbitration hearings are scheduled to be held between Feb. 1-21.
Chisek, coming off a 2014 season in which he saved a career-high 39 games and
struck out 84 in 65 1/3 innings, will earn $6.65 million this season.
Alvarez agreed to a $4 million salary after turning in a 12-7 record with a
strong 2.65 ERA over 30 starts and making the 2014 National League All-Star
team.
Gordon, traded to Miami from the Dodgers this winter, led the majors with 64
stolen bases and 12 triples while batting .289 with 92 runs scored. The 2014
NL All-Star will make $2.5 million in 2015.
Latos is expected to anchor the Marlins’ rotation until Jose Fernandez returns
from Tommy John surgery around midseason. The 27-year-old was limited to just
16 starts by elbow issues with the Cincinnati Reds last season, amassing a 5-5
record with a 3.25 ERA.
Miami acquired Latos, who is eligible for free agency following this season,
from the Reds during the Winter Meetings in December.
