AP: Angels Avoid Arbitration, Sign David Freese To 1-Year Pact
ANAHEIM (AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that third baseman David Freese has avoided arbitration with the Los Angeles Angels, agreeing to a one-year deal for $6.425 million.
The person spoke on the condition of anonymity Wednesday because the Angels have not announced the move. The deal was the midpoint between the salary figures exchanged by the sides.
Freese batted .260 in his first season with the Angels, getting off to a weak start in his first AL season before finishing with 10 homers and 55 RBIs. He filled a long-standing hole at third base for the Angels, who finished with the majors' best record and won the AL West title.
The Angels' remaining arbitration-eligible players are newly acquired outfielder Matt Joyce and right-handed starter Garrett Richards.
Meanwhile, the Chicago White Sox signed infielder Gordon Beckham to a $2 million, one-year contract five months after trading him to the Angels. Beckham made $4,175,000 last season, when he hit .226, and the Angels declined to offer him a contract by the Dec. 2 deadline, making him a free agent.
Chicago cleared a roster spot by designating outfielder Dayan Viciedo for assignment on Wednesday.
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