Shawn Kelley and the Seattle Mariners have agreed to a $935,000, one-year contract that avoids salary arbitration.
The team announced the deal Wednesday.
Kelley, 28, gets a raise from $610,000 last season, when the right-handed reliever had a 2-4 record with a 3.25 ERA in 47 appearances. He had asked for $1.2 million. The Mariners offered $750,000.
The Mariners have agreed to contracts with all their players who were eligible for arbitration.
A-ROD ANNOYS YANKEES
Once considered a player who could shatter the career home run record, former Seattle Mariners shortstop Alex Rodriguez has transformed from All-Star to annoyance to some in the New York Yankees organization.
Rodriguez hasn’t played a full season since he was voted his third American League MVP award in 2007, he’s out for at least the first half of this season following hip surgery on Jan. 16 and now he’s been accused of again purchasing performance-enhancing drugs — an allegation he denies.
According to a Yankees executive who spoke on condition of anonymity because the team is not publicly commenting on A-Rod’s situation, if Rodriguez doesn’t play again due to a career-ending injury, about 85 percent of the $114 million he’s owed would be covered by insurance.
EXTRA BASES
Chase Headley and the Padres have avoided salary arbitration, agreeing on an $8,575,000, one-year contract that gives the San Diego third baseman a $5.1 million raise following his huge 2012 season in which he hit 31 home runs and an NL-best 115 RBI. ... The Angels and reliever Kevin Jepsen have agreed to a one-year contract worth $1.18 million, avoiding arbitration with the hard-throwing right-hander. … The Diamondbacks finalized a $5 million, two-year contract with shortstop Cliff Pennington to avoid salary arbitration. Pennington gets a $1 million signing bonus payable on June 15 and salaries of $1.25 million this year and $2.75 million in 2014. … The Blue Jays have agreed to terms with infielder Andy LaRoche on a minor league contract that includes an invitation to spring training. … The Yankees are speaking with the agent for free agent Travis Hafner and may try to sign the 35-year-old to compete for time as a left-handed designated hitter. … The Mets signed right-handed pitcher Shawn Marcum to a $4 million, one-year contract. Marcum can earn $2.25 million in performance bonuses and $1.75 million in roster bonuses. … The Marlins claimed right-hander Sam Dyson off waivers from Toronto, clearing a roster spot by designating outfielder Kevin Mattison for assignment. … Jose Contreras received a rousing welcome on his return to Cuba 10 years after defecting. The major league pitcher is the first athlete to take advantage of a new migratory law that makes it easier for defectors to visit their homeland.
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