Friday was a big day for Major League Baseball, as players and teams tried to agree to deals in order to avoid arbitration.
Some big names agreed to terms with their respective teams, making hometown fans ecstatic in the process.
First of all, we’ll start with the defending-champion San Francisco Giants.
Buster Posey agreed on a one-year, $8 million deal with the Giants to avoid arbitration, according to Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle. Schulman reported earlier this week that the Giants will attempt to sign Posey to a “blockbuster deal” this spring. The agreement on Friday won’t change that.
Outfielder Hunter Pence, who came to the Giants last season via trade with the Philadelphia Phillies, agreed to a one-year, $13.8 million contract for 2013, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. Pence is eligible for free agency following the 2013 campaign.
The Boston Red Sox may be coming off a nightmare campaign, but they were able to lock up outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury for another year. According to Heyman, the two sides agreed on a one-year, $9 million deal for next season. Ellsbury is slated to enter free agency after the 2013 season.
The Red Sox also locked up closer Joel Hanrahan for 2013, dishing out $7.04 million, according to Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe. Hanrahan, who was acquired in a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates in December, posted a 2.72 ERA while racking up 36 saves in 40 chances with Pittsburgh in 2012.
The Detroit Tigers, who made it to the World Series in 2012, were able to ink outfielder Austin Jackson to a one-year, $3.5 million deal, according to Heyman. As Detroit’s leadoff hitter last season, Jackson hit .300 with 16 home runs, 66 RBI and 103 runs. He was also productive in the playoffs.
The Baltimore Orioles, who enjoyed a resurgent campaign in 2012 under Buck Showalter, were able to agree to a one-year, $5.5 million contract with young catcher Matt Wieters, according to Heyman. Wieters doesn’t hit for a high average (.249 last season), but he has power at the plate (23 home runs and 83 RBI). The two-time All-Star is also an excellent defensive player, as noted by his Gold Glove Awards in 2011 and 2012.
The Cleveland Indians were able to re-sign closer Chris Perez to a one-year, $7.3 million deal with awards bonuses, according to the right-hander’s agency, CAA Baseball. Perez posted a relatively high ERA for a closer in 2012 (3.59), but he still managed to register 39 saves in 43 chances.
After acquiring Kendrys Morales in a trade last month, the Seattle Mariners inked him to a one-year, $5.25 million deal (including performance bonuses), according to Heyman. Morales hit .273 with 22 home runs, 73 RBI and 61 runs in 134 games with the Los Angeles Angels last season, but he’s had trouble staying on the field.
For a complete look at all the deals on Friday, check out MLBTradeRumors.com.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com