The Orioles and left-hander Brian Matusz have reached agreement on a contract for 2015, settling at $3.2 million as the deadline approaches before teams and arbitration-eligible players exchange salary figures.
Matusz, who turns 28 next month, made $2.4 million last season and was projected by MLBTradeRumors.com to receive $2.7 million this season.
Matusz posted a career-low 3.48 ERA in 63 appearances last season. He pitched to a 1.23 ERA with four walks and 29 strikeouts over his last 27 outings beginning on July 3.
Left-handers batted .233/.277/.350 against Matusz in 112 plate appearances.
The Orioles have four left-handed relievers who could make the opening day roster, including closer Zach Britton, T.J. McFarland and Wesley Wright. Matusz was the subject of trade discussions at the Winter Meetings.
The Orioles still haven't announced any signings among their 10 arbitration-eligible players.
I'll keep updating this entry throughout the day.
Also, infielder Rey Navarro was chosen to the Puerto Rican Winter League All-Star team. The Orioles signed him to a major league contract in November.
Update: Catcher Matt Wieters will receive $8.275 million in 2015 after making $7.7 million last season.
Update II: Chris Davis will receive $12 million in 2015 after earning $10.3 million last season.
Chris Tillman will receive $4.315 million in 2015 after earning $546,000 last season - the second-highest deal for a first-time arbitration-eligible starter behind the Tigers' David Price ($19.75 million).
The Orioles are down to six arbitration-eligible players without contracts. The last time I checked, Miguel Gonzalez, Zach Britton and Ryan Flaherty hadn't reached agreements.
Update III: The Orioles exchanged figures with their six remaining arbitration-eligible players.
Alejandro De Aza submitted $5.650 million and the Orioles countered at $5 million.
The Sun was first to report the following figures:
* Steve Pearce $5.4 million/Orioles $2 million
* Zach Britton $4.2 million/Orioles $2.2 million
* Bud Norris $10.25 million/Orioles $7.5 million
* Miguel Gonzalez $3.95 million/Orioles $2.5 million
* Ryan Flaherty $1.5 million/Orioles $900,000
Those are significant gaps with Norris, Pearce, Britton and Gonzalez.
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