The Chicago Cubs avoided arbitration with their top starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija by signing him to a one-year deal worth $5.345 million. Samardzija was offered $4.4 million by the Cubs, but he wanted $6.2 million.
According to MLB, Samardzija finished with an 8-13 record with a 4.34 earned run average. He struck out 214 batters in 213.2 innings.
Samardzija and the Cubs have previously discussed a long-term contract, but they have been unable to reach an agreement since, according to ESPN.
As a result of Samardzija's signing, the Cubs avoided arbitration with all of their players who were eligible. They paid $23.355 million total among their arbitration-eligible players.
The Cubs went through their last arbitration hearing in 2010 for infielder Ryan Theriot. Theriot was forced to settle for the $2.6 million the Cubs offered him instead of his desired $3.4 million.
With his contract signing done, Samardzija is expected to report to spring training with the other pitchers and catchers on Thursday.
The Cubs will look to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2008.
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