Ortiz, Red Sox Reach Agreement Prior To Arbitration Hearing
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Red Sox and David Ortiz were set to head to a potentially ugly arbitration clash on Monday, but the two sides were able to avoid the meeting and agree to a one-year deal.
ESPN's Buster Olney first reported that the two sides met in the middle and agreed to a one-year, $14.575 million deal.
The team has confirmed the deal, without releasing terms.
Ortiz made $12.5 million last season, when he hit .309 with 29 homers and 96 RBIs. He was reportedly seeking $16 million this season, while the Red Sox were only willing to offer a small raise from last year's salary.
Felger & Bertrand Discuss Ortiz Deal
The reported $14.575 million will be the most money the 36-year-old has made in one year. He averaged just over $13 million from 2007-10 before his option year in 2011 paid him $12.5 million.
Ortiz finished eight in MLB in OPS last season at .953, his highest mark since 2007. He earned his fifth Silver Slugger and seventh All-Star nod, also earning his first Roberto Clemente Award.
With Monday's agreement, the Red Sox have no remaining unsigned players eligible for salary arbitration
