Baltimore Orioles Roster News: Brian Matusz Signs New Contract, Reportedly Worth $3.9 Million
The Baltimore Orioles finally came up with a reasonable deal with left-hander Brian Matusz, successfully avoiding arbitration with a $3.9 million contract good for one year. This development means that the only player left in the Orioles' roster who remains unsigned at this point is closer Zach Britton.
Before Matusz and the Orioles agreed to this new contract, the reliever, who by the way is in the final season of arbitration eligibility, asked for a salary of $4.4 million, while the team responded with a $3.5 million offer. So the agreed upon figure looks to be fair enough for both parties. Matusz for his part is no aggrieved party here considering that he was paid $3.2 million for his services last season.
The deal is good for one year since the 28-year-old pitcher will become a free agent after the incoming season. He played in 49 relief innings last season, compiling a record of 1-4 and 2.94 ERA. He's a valuable asset for Baltimore with his efficiency, having allowed opponents a low batting average of .211.
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After getting drafted by the Orioles fourth overall in the 2008 MLB Draft, he was offered a contract at the very last minute by the team. He made his major league debut a year later on Aug. 4, 2009 after getting consistently listed as a top 5 baseball prospect.
Britton, on the other hand, is the last man standing in the 10-man arbitration eligible roster for the Orioles. He became an All-Star for the first time last season after converting 36 out of 40 save opportunities, but the salary he filed ($7.9 million) this offseason was quite off track to that of what the Orioles offered at $5.6 million. There will be a hearing scheduled later this month to negotiate Britton's contract, but multiple sources are saying that both parties haven't reached any progress as of yet to avoid arbitration.
