Los Angeles Dodgers Roster Rumors 2016: New One-Year Deal For Chris Hatcher, Avoids Arbitration
Another player avoided salary arbitration when the Los Angeles Dodgers announced on Wednesday the signing of relief pitcher Chris Hatcher for a one-year deal worth $1.065 million. The projection of Hatcher's salary through arbitration could have been lower, suggesting that he got what he wanted out of this deal.
The former Miami Marlins pitcher became one of the several players who earned an additional year of salary arbitration because he belonged to the top 22 percent in service time among active players in the league who have played at least two years but not more than three. The right-handed reliever produced a 3.69 ERA in 29 games played last season while playing his first year for the Dodgers. He also had 45 strikeouts and 13 walks on 39 innings played.
The 31-year-old was drafted in the first round by the Marlins in the 2006 MLB Draft. He played college baseball in the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Interestingly, he actually began his career as a pro playing as a catcher. He also had a minor league stint where he had a successful stint with Class A Greensboro Grasshoppers in 2007.
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He was placed on the disabled list and stayed there for two months after suffering a strained oblique, but eventually made up for his absence by putting up a 1.31 ERA in just 22 games, where he also made 26 strikeouts and six walks. Hatcher at that point made a good impression for himself.
With Hatcher's signing, the Dodgers still have several unsigned players and those eligible for salary arbitration. The list includes Justin Turner, Kenley Jansen, Scott Van Slyke, Luis Avilan, and Yasmani Grandal. It is still uncertain as to what sort of change the Dodgers will make after re-signing him since he visibly experienced struggles as a setup last season. He made 3-5, coupled with four saves and a 1.23 WHIP.
