Britton settles on contract for 2015

The Orioles have reached agreement on a 2015 contract with closer Zach Britton, according to a source, leaving them with only one unsigned player as spring training approaches.

Britton will receive $3.2 million guaranteed and he could earn another $300,000 in incentives based on games finished. He submitted $4.2 million when the sides exchanged figures last month and the Orioles countered at $2.2 million. He made $521,500 last season.

Notice how these things usually are resolved at the midpoint?

Britton, 27, went 3-2 with a 1.65 ERA and 0.904 WHIP in 71 games last season, allowing only 46 hits in 76 1/3 innings. In his first year as a closer, Britton saved 37 games in 41 opportunities after replacing Tommy Hunter on May 15.

This was Britton's first experience in a relief role and he thrived in it.

The 37 saves ranked fourth in the American League. He converted 18 in a row from July 19-Sept. 4 while becoming the 10th different Orioles reliever to record a 30-save season. He's also the seventh American League left-hander to save 37 or more games and the second Oriole, joining Randy Myers (1997).

Britton led all relievers in ground ball-to-fly ball ratio at 6.68 and ground ball percentage at 75.8. He also set a franchise record with 35 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings at home. His 27 straight scoreless home appearances tied the club record.

Outfielder Alejandro De Aza is the last Oriole without a contract for 2015 and he appears headed to a hearing on Feb. 20.

De Aza submitted $5.65 million and the Orioles countered at $5 million. He made $4.25 million last season.