The Pittsburgh Pirates avoided arbitration with second baseman Neil Walker and pitcher James McDonald by signing both players to new one-year contracts on Thursday.
The moves mean Pittsburgh will face no arbitration hearings with players. They reached earlier agreements with first baseman Gaby Sanchez, first baseman-outfielder Garrett Jones, and pitchers Jeff Karstens and Charlie Morton.
Both Walker and McDonald made $500,000 in 2012. Walker’s filing arbitration sought $3.6 million, while the Pirates countered with $3 million. McDonald filed for $3.4 million, while the team offered $2.65 million.
As it turns out, Walker will earn $3.3 million in 2013, and McDonald will make $3.025 million.
The Pirates will open training camp in Bradenton, Florida on February 11, although position players will not be required to be there until February 14.
PLEASE CONSIDER THE ENVIRONMENT BEFORE BUYING A NEWSPAPER