BALTIMORE — Pitcher Zach Britton and the Baltimore Orioles have avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a $3.2 million, one-year contract.
The agreement Wednesday allows the 27-year-old left-hander to earn $300,000 in performance bonuses based on games finished: $50,000 each for 40, 45 and 55, and $75,000 apiece for 50 and 60.
Eligible for arbitration for the first time, Britton had asked for $4.2 million and had been offered $3.2 million when the sides exchanged figures last month. The settlement was at the midpoint.
ATTENTION Rogers and Shaw customers. Already enjoying Sportsnet ONE? Now get access to digital editions of Sportsnet magazine at no extra cost.
Britton became the Orioles’ closer last year and was 3-2 with a 1.65 ERA and 37 saves in 41 chances for the AL East champions, finishing 49 games. He made $521,500.
Outfielder Alejandro de Aza is Baltimore’s only remaining player in arbitration.
