A.J. Pollock, Diamondbacks avoid arbitration by agreeing to two-year deal
Feb 8, 2016, 9:41 PM | Updated: 11:37 pm
Arizona Diamondbacks' A.J. Pollock hits a grand slam against the San Diego Padres during the second inning of a baseball game Friday, Sept. 25, 2015, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
(AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The Arizona Diamondbacks avoided arbitration with centerfielder A.J. Pollock and agreed to a two-year contract on Monday evening, reports Arizona Sports 98.7 FM’s John Gambadoro.
The D-backs have since confirmed the news.
Diamondbacks avoid arbitration with AJ Pollock agree to a two year deal
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) February 9, 2016
FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal added that the agreement will pay Pollock $10.25 million over two years.
Source: Pollock agrees to two-year, $10.25M contract with #DBacks. First reported: @SteveGilbertMLB.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 9, 2016
Pollock, who made his first All-Star team in 2015, hit .315 with 20 home runs and 76 RBI. Defensively, the 28-year-old is considered one of the best in the game and made $519,500 last year on his rookie contract despite ranking fourth in the national league with 7.7 wins above replacement (WAR).
The news is good for a Diamondbacks team attempting to win now with the Zack Greinke signing and, as of Monday, the addition of Tyler Clippard to the bullpen.
Pollock was seeking a long-term deal around six years and pushing $100 million, according to reports. Arizona recently tabled negotiations over such an agreement with the centerfielder.
Heading toward arbitration, Pollock filed for $3.9 million per year and the D-backs initially countered at $3.65 million. Under the deal agreed upon Monday, Pollock will be arbitration eligible for the 2018 season.
The Diamondbacks have no players who are eligible for arbitration this offseason.
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