Brian Matusz agrees to terms on 2016 contract

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

February 04, 2016, 12:51pm

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The Orioles avoided an arbitration hearing with left-hander Brian Matusz, who agreed to terms today on a $3.9 million contract, according to an industry source.

Matusz sought $4.4 million when the sides exchanged figures, and the Orioles countered at $3.5 million, so they almost met directly in the middle.

matusz pitch grey sidebar.jpg MLBTradeRumors.com projected that Matusz's salary would rise modestly from $3.2 million in 2015 to $3.4 million.

Matusz, the fourth overall pick in the 2008 draft out of the University of San Diego, is a pending free agent.

The Orioles are down to one unsigned arbitration-eligible player. Closer Zach Britton is seeking $7.9 million, while the Orioles are offering $5.6 million.

Britton's hearing is scheduled for Feb. 17, according to a source. I'm told that there hasn't been much progress in talks, though the Orioles remain optimistic that a deal will get done.

Matusz went 1-4 with a 2.94 ERA in 58 games last season and posted a 1.184 WHIP in 49 innings. Left-handers batted .186 against him and right-handers hit .244.

Matusz averaged a career-high 10.3 strikeouts per nine innings.